DTI boosts Western Visayas businesses through Bagwis sessions

The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 Consumer Protection Division will launch a five-day virtual Bagwis Learning Sessions series on May 19 to strengthen consumer protection and promote business excellence across Western Visayas.

The virtual advocacy series will run May 19, 20, 22, 26, and 29, 2026, via Zoom.

The sessions aim to equip local business owners with practical knowledge on fair trade regulations, ethical business practices, and operational excellence.

About 200 representatives from monitored retail and service sectors in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are expected to join DTI enforcement personnel in the sessions.

The learning series will serve as the primary gateway for establishments seeking the DTI Bagwis Award, a national recognition program for businesses that uphold consumer rights, practice responsible business ethics, and comply with trade laws.

The Bagwis program recognizes retail and service establishments that promote consumer welfare, maintain customer relations systems, and observe fair trade laws.

Resource persons from DTI Region 6 will discuss the key provisions of Department Administrative Order 17-08, series of 2017, which sets the guidelines and criteria for granting Bagwis awards.

Participants will receive training on consumer complaints handling, the Price Act, the Price Tag Law, the Correct Labeling Law, sales promotion permits, service and repair shop accreditation, and business continuity planning.

“This initiative will be a vital platform that goes beyond our regulatory mandate. While DTI continues to enforce fair trade laws and ensure consumer protection, we equally prioritize developmental interventions that help elevate the capabilities of the establishments we monitor and engage. By equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to adopt ethical practices and operational excellence, we enable them to not only comply with standards but also grow as responsible partners in advancing consumer welfare. Ultimately, strengthening the quality and competitiveness of these enterprises translates to more informed, protected, and empowered consumers across Western Visayas,” DTI 6 officer in charge Regional Director Mutya Eusores said.

For the 2026 cycle, DTI Region 6 aims to recognize 69 Bagwis awardees, including 67 new certified establishments and two establishments with upgraded certifications.

The program evaluates nominees across seven business categories: supermarkets or grocery stores, department stores, specialty stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, convenience stores, and DTI-accredited service and repair shops.

By expanding the network of recognized stores, DTI aims to reduce market friction and help resolve consumer issues directly at the store level.

The Bagwis Award is granted in three progressive levels that reflect an establishment’s commitment to business excellence.

The Bronze level recognizes compliance with fair trade laws, effective customer relations, and sound store management.

The Silver level builds on Bronze requirements by requiring establishments to implement corporate social responsibility programs, including environmental or socio-civic projects, and to participate in community development initiatives such as the Diskwento Caravan.

The Gold level is reserved for establishments that meet all lower-tier criteria and demonstrate elements of a quality-oriented management system.

Bagwis recognition is generally subject to revalidation after three years to ensure continued compliance with program standards.

As of the end of 2025, Western Visayas had 221 active Bagwis awardees, a number DTI hopes to increase through this month’s learning sessions as it works to build greater trust and confidence in the local marketplace.