DTI regional office asks consumers: Don’t ask for discounts

One regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry is urging the public to support local farmers and small entrepreneurs by not asking for discounts in the prices of their products.

DTI Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) highly encourages consumers to refrain “from asking discount on products made with hard work and love by our local entrepreneurs.”

The regional office posted in their Facebook page: Support our local entrepreneurs. Support our local farmers. Don’t ask for discount.

“If we are willing to buy at full price the items sold by celebrities who are making millions a year, we should also be willing to pay at full price the items produced by our local small business owners who are struggling to earn a million in a year,” its Facebook post reads.

DTI is celebrating National MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) Month in July.

The MSME’s economic recovery is deemed vital since the sector reportedly comprises over 90% of Philippine businesses and employs about 63% of the local workforce. It also contributes 40% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).