A total of 22 local government units (LGUs) in Nueva Ecija received the 2024 Pinakamaringal na Pamilihang Bayan award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) during the Consumer Welfare Month celebration at SM City Cabanatuan.
DTI Provincial Director Richard Simangan emphasized that the award recognizes the competitiveness of the LGUs’ public markets and their commitment to supporting the agency’s consumer protection programs.
The 2024 Pinakamaringal na Pamilihang Bayan award winners were ranked as follows: Carranglan, San Jose City, and Rizal tied for first place, followed by Bongabon in second.
The third place was awarded to Science City of Muñoz, Cabanatuan City, and Cuyapo.
Guimba and Quezon shared fourth place, followed by Lupao and Nampicuan in fifth.
Santa Rosa and Zaragoza claimed the sixth spot, with Aliaga in seventh, Cabiao in eighth, and Talugtug in ninth.
Lastly, Pantabangan, General Tinio, and San Leonardo tied for 10th place.
In addition, the LGUs of Gabaldon, Talavera, and San Antonio were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their consistent excellence in public market management.
According to DTI, LGUs were evaluated based on several parameters to qualify for the award.
These included adherence to business laws, the establishment of a Consumer Welfare Desk, and an updated price watch board.
LGUs were also reviewed on their regular submission of price monitoring reports, maintenance of Timbangan ng Bayan, and proper sectioning of market areas.
Additionally, markets were rated based on the availability of water supplies, toilets, and handwashing facilities.
They were further assessed on their active membership in the Nueva Ecija League of Market Administrators, the presence of a consumer organization, and the implementation of Public Market Digitalization.
Simangan remarked that LGUs in Nueva Ecija have significantly enhanced their competitiveness in public markets due to over a decade of implementing the Pinakamaringal na Pamilihang Bayan program.
With this, he encouraged the LGUs to continue their efforts to ensure sustained consumer protection. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)