by Rizalie Calibo

Siquijor (12 October) -- After a thorough search, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here and the Provincial Selection Team composing the different line agencies recently declared the top two (2) winners of the “Pamilihan ng Panlalawigan” in Siquijor Province.

Of the six contending public markets, Siquijor Public Market garnered the First Place with an average score of 98% and the Larena Public Market as the Second Place with an average score of 90%.

These are few of of the public/private market places complying with fair trade laws such as the price tag, weights and measures and others.

The “Pamilihan ng Panlalawigan” winners will vie for the “Pamilihan ng Rehiyon”, and if lucky, will again compete for the “Pambansang Pamilihan” in the national level.

The search is part of the DTI’s Bantay Bilihin Program which underscores the welfare of consumers as one of its priorities.

The Provincial Selection Team (PST) conducted the Public Market Evaluation and Assessment last September 1, 2006. It was composed of representatives from the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), Department of Local & Interior Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Consumernet and Consumer Group.

Awarding of Pamilihan ng Panlalawigan Winners was held last September 17, 2006 during the Araw ng Siqijor and was awarded by Congressman Orlando B. Fua Jr., Governor Orlando B. Fua and PD Nimfa M. Virtucio.

A CWD Skills Training and Consumernet Briefing related to the program is set on October 13-14, 2006 at WEB’s Legasy Inn, Port Area, Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor.

It can be recalled that the Administration is working doubly hard to make the Philippines more competitive in doing business and sustain the confidence of the business community.