DTI strengthens standards awareness in Romblon, engages students, LGUs, and local industries through STRACAP Caravan

Posted: October 6, 2025
Romblon State University (RSU) students, DTI Romblon and BPS Experts during the STRACAP Caravan in RSU Odiongan
Romblon State University (RSU) students, DTI Romblon and BPS Experts during the STRACAP Caravan in RSU Odiongan

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), reinforced consumer protection and bolstered the competitiveness of Romblon’s local industries during the STRACAP Caravan’s information and workshop sessions held from September 15 to 19, 2025, gathering over 1,500 participants.

Engaging students from Romblon State University (RSU), Badajoz Tablas College, local government units (LGUs), and hardware suppliers and contractors from Odiongan and San Agustin, the caravan equipped stakeholders with practical knowledge on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures (STRACAP).

Recognized as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” Romblon became a key stop for the caravan as the bureau advances its goal of strengthening consumer protection and boosting the competitiveness of local industries, particularly the province’s products.

During the caravan, students from RSU Odiongan and San Agustin campuses participated in the STRACAP 101, an interactive session designed to introduce them to BPS services such as standards development, technical regulations, standards mainstreaming, online seller registration and product testing through hands-on lectures.

Moreover, students also played a crucial role in the event, with engineering majors participating in specialized workshops on electrical, mechanical, and chemical product testing, preparing them to champion standards compliance in their fields as future professionals.

Meanwhile, information sessions with DTI Romblon personnel, LGUs, hardware suppliers, and contractors deepened their awareness on BPS services, technical regulations and Philippine National Standards (PNS) on hollow-blocks and standards related to Romblon products including PNS on Marbles tiles and slabs, peanuts as well as Bureau of Agriculture an Fisheries Product Standards (BAFS), ensuring effective enforcement of standard compliance and safer products for consumers.

After each session, BPS experts and participants discussed the minimum requirements for product markings and certification of construction materials such as hollow blocks and deformed steel bars, along with the certification application process, verification procedures, and corresponding fees during the open forums.

Queries on certification requirements, permits, and updates on the new technical regulations were raised by the participants during the event.

DTI-BPS Director Neil P. Catajay, DTI Romblon OIC Provincial Director Orville F. Mallorca, RSU President Dr. Merian C. Mani and other DTI-BPS and RSU officials sign the memorandum of understanding during the last day of STRACAP Caravan in Romblon
DTI-BPS Director Neil P. Catajay, DTI Romblon OIC Provincial Director Orville F. Mallorca, RSU President Dr. Merian C. Mani and other DTI-BPS and RSU officials sign the memorandum of understanding during the last day of STRACAP Caravan in Romblon

Culminating the caravan, the BPS and RSU signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aims to foster cooperation in the areas of training, seminars, workshops, supervised industrial training (SIT) or research internship, consultancy, and curriculum development relevant to standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. This MOU will allow RSU access to vital information and skills that will hone their abilities in preparation for their professional careers in STRACAP area in the future.

As part of its nationwide drive to promote STRACAP, the event was organized in partnership with DTI Romblon and RSU, with support from the Odiongan and San Agustin LGUs following the successful runs in Cavite and Pampanga in 2024.

Among those present were DTI-BPS Director Neil P. Catajay, DTI-BPS OIC Assistant Director Ma. Teresita G. Del Rosario, DTI Romblon OIC Provincial Director Orville F. Mallorca, San Agustin Mayor Aaron James C. Madrona, the representative of Odiongan Mayor Roger “Toto” Fodra Jr., and RSU President Dr. Merian C. Mani.

As the National Standards Body of the Philippines, the DTI-BPS continues to lead the promotion of standardization activities across the country. This initiative supports DTI’s ongoing commitment to raising industry competitiveness, boosting local industries, and ensuring consumer protection through stronger adherence to standards.

For more information and updates on STRACAP activities, visit www.bps.dti.gov.ph or email [email protected]. ♦

Date of Release: 06 October 2025