Iloilo city: A total of 65 establishments from Western Visayas received the 2024 Bagwis Award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for promoting consumer rights. The awards were conferred on Wednesday, the second day of the two-day Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo 2025, organized by DTI, in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council.
According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview on Friday, DTI-6 Consumer Protection Division chief Grace Benedicto said that the Bagwis Awards give recognition to business establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business. “Consumers are assured they can get value for their money when they purchase or avail services of Bagwis awardees,” she said. The award has three categories — gold, silver, and bronze.
Bronze is for establishments that are compliant with applicable consumer laws, demonstrate effective customer relations services, and efficient store management operations. Silver is for firms that adhere to the bronze requirements and exemplify social commitment and responsibility. “Gold, this is the highest level of award. They need to have an established quality orientation management, aside from customer service and customer service relation projects,” Benedicto said.
During Wednesday’s conferment rites, 33 establishments were recognized for gold, 15 for silver, and 17 for bronze. Of the total, 28 were new awardees, 30 were revalidated, and seven were promoted to their next category. Benedicto said the award is valid for three years, but awardees can apply for an upgrade, subject to certain parameters.
“We appreciate the establishments that are embracing the award, especially aiming for the gold. They self-police their establishments when it comes to compliance. They present themselves as deserving of the award, and then we verify,” she added. Since its launch in 2018, Benedicto said 192 establishments have received the Bagwis Award — 49 for bronze, 68 for silver, and 75 for gold.