Sealing, Calibrating, and Licensing of Weights and Measures in San Juan City: A Basis for Enhanced Consumers’ Protection

Abstract

This research focused on the assessment of the current practices in sealing, calibrating, and licensing of weights and measures in local businesses in San Juan City, Metro Manila-based on the respondents’ perceptions as a basis in formulation of recommendations for enhanced consumer protection. This study utilized descriptive qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research began with quantitative data by way of conducting a survey. The result of the study was computed, interpreted, and analyzed. To validate the responses from the survey, the researcher also conducted interviews with key informants who are knowledgeable about sealing, licensing, and calibrating of weights and measures. Findings revealed that most of the local business operators inSan Juan City who use weights and measures have favorable perception in terms of the objective of the sealing, licensing, and calibrating of weights and measures. However, there are existing problems with the said system in terms of the inadequacy of workforce, costs, and procedures per identified respondents including the issues on costs/fees and transparency of needed information by identified respondents. Thus, in view of the findings of this study, it is hereby recommended to (1) emphasize on increasing the number of inspectors and consider hiring additional manpower; and (2) conduct surprise checking and verification of seals and calibrating of weighing equipment; and (3) create a consumers’ protection group at the barangay and city levels.