SELLS LIKE HOTCAKES. With the onset of classes, school supplies sell like hotcakes in a Davao City bookstore. (davaotoday.com file photo by Medel V. Hernani)
DAVAO CITY—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here said prices of school supplies remained stable, as it issued the price guide that will help the consumers in their purchases.
DTI-Davao regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the prices of school supplies are generally stable. She said the guide contains the suggested retail prices (SRPs) for school supplies.
The prices issued by manufacturers to retailers were meant to ensure a fair share and competition in the market, Ambi said. “These prices factor-in the production cost, distribution cost and profit margins of retailers and distributors.”
She, however, noted that some brands increased their prices due to foreign exchange and cost of raw materials. Annually, the DTI-Consumer Protection Group requests for the suggested retail prices (SRPs) from the industry members of school supplies.
Among the school supplies listed are notebooks (composition, writing and spiral), writing pad papers (Grade 1 to 4), Intermediate pad papers, crayons, ball-pen, eraser, sharpeners, and pencil.
In Davao region, Ambi said she instructed all Provincial offices to closely monitor the prices and supply of school supplies.
”DTI, through our Field Offices, has been conducting intensified price monitoring activities on school supplies to ensure that no one is taking advantage especially when classes are about to open,” Ambi said.
Pursuant to DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 06, Series of 2007, retailers found to be selling with prices beyond the SRPs can be imposed an administrative fine of P20,000 to a maximum of P1,000,000 while criminal penalties under the Price Act include imprisonment from five to 15 years.
The complete list of suggested retail price (SRP), consumers and business establishments may access it from www.dti.gov.ph.(davaotoday.com)
