DTI-XI tells traders to follow SRPs of school supplies

DAVAO CITY, May 22 – The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-Davao Region) has called on traders to follow the suggested retail prices (SRPs) set for school supplies to avoid possible sanctions.

As of May 5 this year, the SRPs, depending on the brand name, for composition notebooks (80 leaves) is between P10 to P15.75;

writing notebooks (80 leaves) - P10.75 to P15.75;
spiral notebooks (80 leaves) - P10 to P15.75;
Grades 1 to 4 pad papers (80 leaves) - P9 to P28.75;
and intermediate pad papers (80 leaves) - P14 to P25.75
The SRPs for pencils (three pieces per pack) range P9.50 to P19.75;
crayons (8s), 11 to P19.75;
crayons (16s) – P22.25 to P37.75;
crayons (24s) – P31.75 to P51.75;
and ballpoint pens – P5.75 to P17.75.

DTI-Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said the SRPs are the bases in evaluating whether the prevailing prices are still acceptable or not.

“Our monitoring teams are visiting retailers regularly for us to ensure that they really are adopting the SRPs. By doing so, we are likewise protecting the consumers,” she said adding that consumers must also consider the quality of what they are buying, aside from the price.

In buying school supplies, DTI has provided some tips:-
Notebooks and pads of paper must indicate information on weight (in grams) and number of leaves;-
Crayons must be classified as either jumbo or regular, should not break or bend easily due to pressure or high temperature, and must be labeled "non-toxic.”-
Lead pencils must include a symbol or number for hardness;-
Ballpoint pens must be classified according to tips; and,-

For all products the required markings should include the manufacturer’s name and address, trade or brand name, type or size, country of manufacture, quantity, toxicity warning, and instructions for use.

Loreto encouraged consumers to visit the nearest DTI office should they have complaints on the price or quality of school supplies being sold locally. They may also contact the DTI Regional Office’s Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) at (082) 224-0511 local 411.“If they want a copy of the detailed SRPs, they may get one from our office,” she said. (DTI-11/JenMendoza)