“A well-informed and vigilant consumer is a best-protected consumer,” Atty. Gary Tabios said during the forum on Consumer Welfare Protection last Oct. 14 held by the Public Information Agency at Bethel Guest House as one of the activities for Consumer Welfare Month.
This event encourages locals to be vigilant–to know the rights and uphold the responsibilities as consumers.
Dr. Angeline Gonzales, consumer welfare division chief of the Department of Trade & Industry, reminded the attendees of their rights.
She encouraged the consumers to always ask questions. She also said that one must always check if the product has an ICC/PS stamp, which indicates that the product passed the DTI standards.
Gonzales said that if the product company fails to pass the Consumer Welfare Test, the consumer should bring the matter to DTI. “If you think that your rights have been violated, exercise action,” said Gonzales.
Atty. Tabios, board of director of Consumer Advocates, Inc.explained that as consumers, locals must be well informed, likewise when it comes to the selection of leaders. “As electorates, choose the best leaders,” Tabios said.
CAI held Consumer Welfare seminars and other programs in the years 2008 and 2014 in Banilad, Piapi, Taclobo and other barangays in the city. One program was the Presyo Bonanza Caravan at Quezon Park, in partnership with DTI.
Edward Du, president of Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce & Industry, opened the topic about ASEAN integration.
He took into account that foreign distributors have high standards in terms of checking their exports. “Countries police their products before entering the Philippines… the risk is very minimal, in terms of food safety,” he said.
Du urged the encouragement and support of the Negros Island Region which has been implemented but faces negative feedback to repeal it.
According to Du, support for NIR would boost the budget for several projects in the government, including the CAI, he said that “as negotiates, we are with you in consumer protection. After all we are consumers too… out of the 16 regional directors, not one is from Negros.” (Aliyah Marie Millares and Christian Renz Torres/SU Masscom Interns)
