CAGAYAN de Oro City — Who checks if consumers are getting the right amount of goods or fuel they pay for? 

In Lanao del Norte, 50 local government personnel are being equipped to do just that after completing a three-day training on checking weighing instruments and fuel dispensing pumps on Aug. 11 to 13, 2026. 

Most participants came from municipal treasurers’ offices, which are responsible for inspecting weights and measures used in public markets and verifying fuel pumps within their jurisdictions. 

The training, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte, was conducted by the DOST Northern Mindanao Regional Metrology Laboratory (RML). 

Participants received hands-on training on proper verification and calibration procedures, including the inspection of weighing instruments and fuel dispensing pumps. 

Protecting buyers at the point of sale 

Accurate measurements matter because consumers pay based on weight, volume or quantity.

An inaccurate weighing scale can mean a buyer receives less than what was paid for. 

An improperly calibrated fuel pump can likewise affect the amount of fuel actually dispensed.

This makes regular verification an important part of consumer protection, particularly in public markets and gasoline stations where thousands of daily transactions take place. 

LGUs have regulatory authority to verify commercial weights and measures within their jurisdictions and to enforce applicable rules. 

The training was intended to refresh and strengthen the personnel’s skills so they can properly perform these responsibilities. 

From training to actual checks 

The DOST-NorMin RML provided technical guidance and actual demonstrations during the training, including the inspection of weighing instruments in a wet market and verification of a fuel dispensing pump at a gasoline station. 

The activity also highlighted the division of responsibilities between agencies: DTI organized the capacity-building activity, while DOST-NorMin provided the technical expertise. 

For consumers, however, the key question goes beyond the training: Will these skills translate into regular and reliable inspections in their communities? 

LGUs interested in similar capacity-building activities may coordinate with DOST Northern Mindanao through its official channels.