PGMA to DTI: Ensure appropriate prices of school supplies

2009/05/21

PGMA to DTI: Ensure appropriate prices of school supplies

by Venus G. Villanueva

Manila (21 May) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called directly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that appropriate prices of school supplies are maintained and observed properly by various establishments.

The President issued the order during her full Cabinet meeting held at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City two weeks before the 2009-2010 school year opens on June 1.

The Chief Executive also stressed the proper implementation of all major educational policies, including the "no fee collection" rule for pre-school to Grade IV, and voluntary collection for Grade V to high school to be made only starting on the second month of classes.

In Aklan, DTI Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said the provincial office is already conducting intensified price and supply monitoring of school supplies not only in Kalibo, the province's capital town, but in other key areas like Caticlan in Malay town, the jump-off point to Boracay Island, and Altavas, the last town of Aklan bordering the province of Capiz.

Cadena said monitoring of prices of school supplies in Aklan was started already by DTI two weeks ago and will be conducted three days a week for six months as part of the agency's widened monitoring coverage.

In the course of monitoring of DTI-Aklan, it was noted that prices of school supplies like notebooks, pad papers, pencils, crayons and pens in other areas are almost at the same level with those sold in major stores in Kalibo.

Director Cadena advised parents, however, to be aware of the quality of school supplies and not just the low prices.

"Take note of the contents of notebooks and pad papers. Some might be cheaper because they only have 80 leaves, while others might be priced higher, because they have 90 leaves. Take time to count the leaves, to be sure you get your money's worth on the supplies for your children you paid for", Director Cadena advised the parents.

Cadena also advised parents to buy only their children's school supplies from reliable sources or stores. (PIA)

Cabatuan.com - Kasimanwa.com - Diosdado Cadena Jr.