By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental has begun monitoring the sale of Christmas lights in the province, as consumers prepare for the holiday season.

In a radio interview, DTI-NegOcc director, Engineer Lynna Joy Cardinal said under the Product Standard Law, Christmas lights should have the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings.

She added that the said markings mean that it is not only safe to use, but also assures that the product is of high quality.

Cardinal said they have not monitored stores that sell substandard Christmas lights or lights that lack the required PS and ICC markings.

She said they will begin their intensified monitoring.

The DTI official said that the establishments have been given information on product brands that are compliant.

She also cautioned consumers against buying cheap and substandard lights, pointing out that they pose risks and danger./DGB, WDJ