We applaud the respect accorded to the senior citizens of our society but would like to bring up the following points regarding the guidelines to implement Rule V, Section 14 of the IRR of R.A, 9257, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act 2003. 1.) Section 3. Supermarkets or Food Retailers can never afford to offer the 20% discount to senior citizens noble as the act may seem. The Supermarket Industry averages around 3 to 5% mark-up for basic necessities and prime commodities especially for PAGASA members who cater to the mass market. This privilege for senior citizens is from the very beginning destined to be abused by the unscrupulous in our society be they senior citizens or not. 2.) Section 3�..�for the exclusive use of the senior citizens.� This premise will find difficulty in practice as anyone accompanying a senior citizen entitled to the proposed discounts may misuse/abuse the privilege of the said senior citizen by asking the latter to buy...

 Senior citizens are now qualified for a five percent discount on the prices of basic commodities aside from medicines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday said. Basic goods such as canned sardines, canned tuna, coffee and powdered filled milk bought from groceries by senior citizens should be discounted by five percent, according to RA 9257 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, the DSWD said. Also included in the discount are bread, white and brown sugar, cooking oil, instant noodles, luncheon meats, meat loaves, corned beef, preserved or ready-to-cook pork, beef and chicken, and laundry soap. The law punishes violators with a fine or imprisonment. DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said that to avail themselves of the discount, senior citizens should get a purchase booklet from the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in their city or municipal hall, and these booklets will be used for every purchase of the products. Soliman al...

 It is without a doubt that Instant Noodles have become basic staple for the lower echelon of the income strata. Studies by survey groups as well by A.C. Nielsen all point to Instant Noodles as one of the top ten items sold at any food retail outlet or supermarket. Investigative journalism in tri-media all point to the same findings. By this token, the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) pose no objection to including Locally Manufactured Instant Noodles in the basket of goods considered as Basic Necessity thereby amending the Price Act. Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 March 2008 )

 The Department of Agriculture has called for a consultation meeting with the private sectors for its project called Pork in a box. The meeting was held last April 4, 2005 at the Conference Room of the National Meat Inspection Service branch of the Department of Agriculture. The Pork in a Box project aims to reduce post production losses, reduce the cost of shipment of the products, reduce risk of disease transmission, improve meat quality and safety of pork and pork products and to reduce the cost of pork products in the market. The project is headed by NMIS Executive Director Dr. Efren C. Nuestro. Participants to the meeting included representatives from the Livestock Traders Association, Mr. Francisco Buencamino from PAMPI, a meat processing association, cold chain association president Mr. Anthony Dizon, Mr. Albert Lim from the hog farmers association, Mr. Jesus Cham from the meat importers and traders association, Mr. Steven Cua and Mr. William Villanueva repr...

 Mr. Roy Chua of Daily Supermart was appointed by the Board of Directors of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) as its vice president. The position was originally held by Mr. Edgardo Madrazo of Newlife Supermart who has resigned from his position as he and his family will be migrating to Canada. In a unanimous decision by the board of directors during the general meeting of PAGASA held at the Italianni's Restaurant at Libis, Quezon City last April 1, 2005. Due to the responsibilities of the vice president of the organization, there is the urgent need to fill in the vacancy. The vice president of PAGASA had the responsibility to represent the organzation and the industry as a whole in meetings with the government sector including the Department of Trade and Industry , Department of Agriculture , etc. Mr. Chua will hold his term of office until the next election of officers which will be held sometime in September, 2005.

 Welcome to the website of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association (PAGASA). This Association of Amalgamated (meaning united) Supermarkets was born in 1986 with the purpose of establishing rapport and harmonious relationship among operators of supermarkets serving the masses (class B, C, D market) in order to promote and safeguard their interest and that of the consuming public. The Association also aims to maintain communications and represent the private sector with the different government agencies as well as other organizations in and out of the Philippines.

  OFFICERS FOR 2004-2005 POSITION OFFICER COMPANY TEL. NO. President Mr. Steven T. Cua WELCOME SUPERMART, INC. 2 N. A. Ramirez St., Quezon City 7111290 7320585 FAX 7320509 Vice Pres. Mr. Edgardo Madrazo NEW LIFE SUPERMART 1 West Avenue Quezon City 3732901 3742884 FAX 3724606 VP-Corp. Sec. Mr. Johnny Lim 680 SUPERMART 839 EDSA, South Triangle Quezon City 9288026 9288143 9242025 FAX 9242013 VP Treasurer Mr. William Villanueva PURITY SUPERMARKET 340 E. Rodriguez Sr., Avenue Quezon City 7120993 FAX 7434205 Director Mr. Edgardo V. Robles ...