DTI rolls out awaited Diskwento Caravan

PARENTS and students looking for a bargain as next month’s opening of classes for the new school year nears can watch out for this year’s Diskwento Caravan for school supplies, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI rolled out the campaign’s “Balik-Eskwela (Back to School) Edition” in its regional and provincial offices across the country.

Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said Monday in a statement that the caravan, which the DTI has been regularly doing since 2009, was intended to provide an opportunity for consumers to access basic goods, school supplies and prime commodities at reduced prices by bringing manufacturers and retailers closer to their market.

Diskwento Caravan is being done in partnership with the local manufacturers of school-related items who are willing to sell at a lower price.

Products sold during the Balik-Eskwela Editions—with rates that are 10 percent to 70 percent lower than the suggested retail prices—include food items, school supplies, uniforms and shoes.

Maglaya, who heads the DTI’s regional operations group, said the latest rollout would help parents save money, especially in preparation for the new school year.

“We encourage parents to come to the Diskwento Caravan, especially with the opening of the school year just days away,” she said. “This program would definitely help our parents stretch their budget.”

The DTI kicked off this year’s Balik-Eskwela round during a month-long flagship run at the DTI’s OTOP Showroom in Makati City that wrapped up last May 27.

The caravan is spreading out to DTI offices outside Metro Manila.