Consumers will have greater access to lower- or reasonably-priced basic necessities and prime commodities through the DTI Suking Tindahan program.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched the program with the slogan “Sulit at Risonableng Presyo” on Wednesday.

“The DTI Suking Tindahan program was conceived by Secretary Ramon Lopez to heed the call of consumers for reasonably-priced basic and prime goods to be made available at their neighborhood sari-sari stores. With this launch, the DTI is gearing up for its nationwide roll-out. Thus, we are calling on all sari-sari stores to volunteer for the program,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo.

The said program is open to major sari-sari stores, wholesalers, and cooperatives that are willing to sell basic and prime goods within or lower their suggested retail prices (SRP).

To qualify, the store or cooperatives must be a fully-registered business that is in existence for at least one year and with a minimum financial capitalization of P100,000.

The key element of the program is DTI’s role of linking the recognized Suking Tindahan with the manufacturers or their authorized distributors that can give the basic and prime goods at discounted rates. This will allow the sari-sari stores to sell these goods within or below the SRP, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the Suking Tindahan program.

The first tranche of recognized Suking Tindahan are Noel & Jenny Sari-Sari Store, Francing Store, Lacson Grocery all at the public market in Marikina City; Bea Brain Josh Store and Ingrid Store in Quezon City; Edison Sari-Sari Store in Navotas City; Centennial Village Multi-Purposes Coop in Taguig, and Four E General Merchandise in Manila.