CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor George Goking on Tuesday advised consumers to be extra cautious in buying Christmas lights and decorations to avoid fire and other untoward incidents.
“It is necessary to check that these products are not substandard to avoid fire incidents,” said Goking.
Meanwhile, in an earlier report made by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) there was an alleged report of the substandard Christmas decorations and lights in the market bearing fake International Commodity Clearance (ICC) which can be dangerous if not properly scrutinized.
DTI, like Goking, urged to ensure that these Christmas lights have undergone a product certification scheme through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS).
“Our public consumers should verify first the authenticity of ICC marks or stickers on these products,” according to Goking.
Goking said that this can be done by checking if the said product has an affixed valid PS (Product Standard) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker as well as appropriate label or marking.
He stressed that prevention is necessary especially during the Christmas season when Christmas lights are installed everywhere.
“The DTI with CDO’s price coordinating council, NBI and the police will make surprise inspections,” said Goking.
He said he even asked the Bureau of Fire Protection to conduct inspections of establishments to avoid fire incidents that will damage properties and lives.
Goking is hoping that the city’s trade and industry department has already started to monitor business establishments in the city for that matter.
He said that consumers may report to the DTI any establishments selling substandard Christmas decorations so that proper action may be taken against the violators. (Ben Balce)
