Emphasizing the dangers posed by substandard steel products, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) destroyed re-rolled bars valued at P737,000.
According to the DTI, the substandard steel products were seized in Trece Martires City, Cavite.
“Substandard steel products pose significant risks to public safety, especially in a country like the Philippines that is prone to earthquakes. Thus, the DTI remains resolute in safeguarding Filipinos from these dangers by upholding the regulations for steel products in conformance with the Philippine National Standards,” said the newly-confirmed DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque.
“Through these efforts, we aim to build a more resilient ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ one where every Filipino consumer is empowered to make informed choices and have full confidence in the quality of their purchases,” the trade chief added.
The DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) witnessed the destruction 13,000 pieces of substandard re-rolled steel bars. These bars failed to meet the minimum technical requirements set out in Philippine National Standards (PNS) 211:2002, which governs re-rolled steel bars used in concrete reinforcement.
Among the destroyed bars were 5,000 pieces of Grade 170 – 6 mm and 8,000 pieces of Grade 170 – 7 mm substandard re-rolled bars. These were reduced to random lengths of less than 6 meters using hydraulic and oxy-fuel cutters and will be re-processed as scrap.
With this destruction, Secretary Roque declared, “We will not tolerate those who compromise the safety and well-being of our citizens for profit.”
“This firm action against substandard steel products underscores our resolve to protect lives and foster a business environment that prioritizes consumer welfare and responsible manufacturing across the country,” the DTI chief expressed.
Furthermore, Fair Trade Group (FTG) Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero encouraged consumers to be vigilant and prioritize the durability of materials when purchasing products, especially for their homes.
“To strengthen our efforts in ensuring the safety and durability of Filipino homes, we urge consumers to always look for the ICC sticker or PS mark when purchasing products for those products regulated by DTI-BPS,” said Uvero.
The activity was spearheaded by DTI-BPS, which serves as the National Standards Body of the Philippines, established on 20 June 1964 through Republic Act 4109, also known as the Standards Law. With a mandate to develop, promulgate, and implement standards, the DTI-BPS promotes standardization activities and ensures the manufacture, production, and distribution of quality products.
