Say no to 'marupok'

Plastic chairs, tables and drawers are often used in Filipino households, workplaces, and various establishments. Regardless of size, layout, and design preference, these essentials have proven their importance in furnishing and transforming a space into a functional, conducive place that can be redesigned whenever needed. 

Various brands produce plastic home furnishing items, specifically monoblock chairs, to make them accessible and available to consumers. However, not all are made the same. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) has implemented guidelines and standards to help ensure quality and safety – requiring all manufacturers, distributors, and importers of monoblock chairs and stools to apply for the mandatory Philippine Standard (PS) mark – a proof that the product passed the standards set by the DTI-BPS. 

In line with its mission to provide quality products and address the desire of the consumers for durable and value-for-money items, Uratex Monoblock is one of the plastic furniture brands that adhered to and passed the mandatory tests and requirements set by the DTI-BPS for monoblock chairs and stools; one of the first brands in the Philippines to pass the Level 5 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO 7173, the highest plastic furniture standard in the country.

Why 'Bawal ang Marupok'?

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the brand launched the 'Bawal ang Marupok' campaign with the goal to help educate and equip the market on how to be keen and discerning when it comes to investing in plastic chairs and avoid 'marupok' or brittle ones that may potentially harm them. One of the ways that the brand emphasized is to check the warning label to see if the chair has PS certification and recommended seat load capacity for safety and assurance. 

Moreover, the campaign aims to highlight the brand's ongoing thrust and purpose to nurture and protect its consumers by providing quality products that are not just ergonomic in design, but are also durable and will stand the test of time. 

In the recently held campaign media launch at Eton Centris, on January 17, 2023, Uratex Monoblock conducted a forum led by Uratex Monoblock Business Unit Director Dindo Medina, Department of Trade & Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) Assistant Director Ferdinand Manfoste, and Department of Science & Technology - Forest Products Research & Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) Deputy Director Rico Cabangon as part of the panel. 

During the panel discussion, Medina explained the objective, rationale, and inspiration behind the 'Bawal ang Marupok' campaign while Manfoste and Cabangon explained why Uratex Monoblock chairs passed, if not exceeded the industry standards. Both industry experts shared their insights on the safety and durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

"Uratex Monoblock's passion has always been to provide our consumers with quality items," Medina shared. "With the Bawal ang Marupok campaign, we aim to further communicate Uratex Monoblock's standard for excellent craftsmanship, as well as to educate consumers to be more discerning of the quality and durability of plastic chairs as they value the safety of their family." 

Apart from industry experts, Mommy celebrities Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Camille Prats-Yambao graced the event to share their thoughts and actual experiences – highlighting their role as a mom to be alert and well-informed with regard to buying quality household items for the home. 

"For me, my family's safety always comes first," Peralejo-Bonifacio shared. "Whenever I purchase items for our home, I always consider how the item can serve our family. Is it safe? Is it durable? Can it last for a long time?"

Price should not be the sole consideration for household products, especially the ones that support us and our family members – like monoblocks. 

"Monoblock chairs have been a Filipino household staple, but I agree that not all are made the same," Prats-Yambao said. "I really agree with Uratex Monoblock's campaign, bawal talaga ang marupok. It is really an invitation for every Filipino home to give importance to products that are safe and durable".

Media invitees were also given a short walk-through of how Uratex Monoblock chairs are being tested before they go out to the market. They also got to participate in various strength tests that ensure the durability of Uratex Monoblock chairs.

Uratex Monoblock chairs come in various designs and styles and are both BPS and ISO Level 5 certified. They are safe and durable, may withstand time, and may hold up to 200 kilos. Through its recent campaign launch, Uratex Monoblock is living proof that quality and durability matter – Bawal ang Marupok.

To learn more about Uratex Monoblock and its products, visit their website. You may also follow /uratexmonoblockchairs on Facebook, and @uratexmonoblock on Instagram for updates and upcoming promos.

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