Question & AnswerQ&A (NTA DAO-MM-A-89-46 MEMORANDUM)
The General Calibration Program (GCP) is a program implemented by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) aimed to ensure fairness in tobacco trading through the use of accurately calibrated weighing scales, thereby preventing tampering and assuring correct measurements in transactions between tobacco traders and farmers.
The primary beneficiaries of the General Calibration Program are tobacco traders/buyers and farmers, especially those in flue-cured tobacco growing areas, as defined under existing tobacco trading rules.
The NTA mandates the use of a "Dial Type Weighing Scale" or a scaled "Toledo Scale" with a sensitivity of at least 500 kilograms for tobacco trading.
Trader-applicants must submit to the NTA a permit or a certificate proving that their weighing scale/device has been calibrated by the Office of the Treasurer in their area of operation before a license is issued.
The STIT is responsible for implementing the GCP by monitoring and spot checking the calibration of weighing scales, carrying out inspections during tobacco trading, initiating legal actions if necessary, and studying trading operations and systems to improve efficiency and responsiveness.
Calibration involves the marking, correcting, and sealing of weighing devices to prevent tampering, conducted by the Office of the Treasurer and/or the Bureau of Standards under the Department of Trade and Industry.
Willful violation of the provisions is considered a serious offense under Presidential Decree No. 1481 and shall be dealt with according to Section 37 of said decree, which likely involves administrative sanctions and penalties.
The STIT Central Committee is headed by the Deputy Administrator for Operations, assisted by the Manager of the Market Development and Regulations Department, and includes representatives from the Legal Affairs Staff, Licensing and Regulations Divisions, Farm Development Department, Finance Department, Corporate Planning Staff, and Management Services Staff.
NTA employees and Extensionists assigned to Trading Centers and in the field are tasked to submit reports on personal observations or farmers' complaints related to weighing scale calibration, including details like date, nature of complaint, observations, and recommended actions, which are then forwarded through proper channels including the STIT.
The guidelines took effect immediately upon issuance as stated in the Memorandum Circular signed on December 4, 1989.