BIZ BUZZ: DTI probes ‘deceptive’ retailer

Budget supermarket Dali Everyday Grocery is in hot water over allegations by a consumer advocacy group that the 82-store chain is engaging in “deceptive” and “unfair” sales practices.

Stemming from a complaint filed by Malayang Konsyumer group, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is now actively investigating the grocery chain, where many Filipinos shop for cheaper items that can be bought in bulk.

“This investigation is part of DTI’s commitment to uphold consumer protection by ensuring fair and ethical business practices across the market,” the DTI said, without offering further details on the nature of the allegations.

Additionally, the DTI said it has forwarded to the Department of Interior and Local Government consumer complaints concerning sanitary regulations and weighing scale issues at Dali stores.

Dali Everyday Grocery is operated by Dali Hard Discount, which last year obtained $15 million in fresh equity from the Asian Development Bank. It is the first company in the Philippines to focus on hard discount retailing. The business model is to keep product prices low through high sales volume of a limited product range while maintaining lean operations. —Alden M. Monzon

‘Project Arkanghel’

Aboitiz Power Corp. has teamed up with REPCO NEX Industrial Solutions of Thailand to develop digital replicas of its two coal-fired power plants in the Philippines.

Launched in Bangkok this week, the initiative aims to conceive the “digital twins” of AboitizPower’s coal-fired facilities in Davao del Sur and Cebu provinces.

The replicas will mirror the entire operations and systems to test certain scenarios and detect problems. With the aid of artificial intelligence, operators and engineers can make more informed decisions, optimize performance, and reduce downtimes of the plants.

READ: AboitizPower to make two coal plants smart

The undertaking is dubbed as “Project Arkanghel,” named after the archangel known as the guardian of precision, harmony of duality, and enlightened intelligence. As it turns out, the name is deeply rooted in the culture of the two countries. The name was chosen because in predominantly Catholic Philippines, it would resonate with the people. The Thais, on the other hand, believe that archangels come from heaven.

But while these “digital twins” can improve the efficiency and reliability of the power plants, they “can’t replace the fact you have to build new power plants,” AboitizPower chief finance officer Sandro Aboitiz said.

Even so, AboitizPower believes this project will ultimately benefit consumers at no cost.

“We’re taking the risk because we believe in it. We believe it’s the right thing to do, not just for us,” Aboitiz said. —Jordeene B. Lagare

New technopark in Pasig

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has signed a registration agreement with tycoon Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Corp. for the latter to be the developer and operator of Arcovia City Information Technology Park in Pasig City.

Peza said the partnership with Megaworld will further bolster the Philippines’ reputation as a premier investment hotspot in the region, with ecozones as drivers of growth and development.

The 12.3-hectare ArcoVia City houses residential condominium towers surrounded by a vibrant retail hub, state-of-the-art office towers, and a lush landscape, according to Megaword.

It is touted to have Manila’s newest tourism landmark, the 23-meter-tall Arco de Emperador, the tallest bronze monument in the Philippines. —Alden M. Monzon