DTI highlights buyer awareness during Consumer Welfare Month

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camarines Sur provincial office has lined up a series of events with the goal of fostering sustainable consumption and production within the country, while also working to influence consumer behavior positively.

DTI Camarines Sur Provincial Director Jay Ablan conveyed a clear message about safeguarding consumers from unscrupulous manufacturers by destroying seized products that failed to meet the established quality standards set by DTI.

The destruction of confiscated violative products which took place at the Naga City Hall grounds on Oct. 16 was also witnessed by DTI Consumer Protection Division OIC Division Chief Junelita C. Mora, Naga City Price Coordinating Council Executive Director and City Councilor Doc Jess Albeus, council members and Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion.

Seized and destroyed products include tie wire, toilet bowls, recalibrated weighing scales, Christmas lights, sanitary wares, and construction materials, among others.

Ablan advised buyers to always look for the product quality seal and the Import Commodity Clearance or ICC sticker.

These are indicators that guarantee that the items or goods they bought meet certified and quality standards in accordance with the relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS).

The Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) reported that 88.7% of Filipinos support the idea of companies adopting a proactive and transparent stance in addressing global environmental challenges.

Furthermore, 91.8% of respondents also expressed a strong belief that their environmental conservation efforts could play a crucial role in preserving the planet’s future.

Department of Trade and Industry Camarines Sur Provincial Director Jay Percival Ablan, represented by DTI Consumer Protection Division OIC Division Chief Junelita C. Mora (6th from right) led the destruction of confiscated violative products at the Naga City Hall grounds, together with the Naga City officials headed by Mayor Nelson Legacion (6th from right) II (Photo credits: DTI CamSur)

In line with this, DTI-Camarines Sur launched a series of three-day day events as part of the Products Standards and Green Technology Fair 2023 from Oct. 20 to 22 at the Robinsons Naga Atrium.

With the theme “GenS: Generation Sustainable,” DTI is confident that attendees will deeply appreciate the significance of conscientious consumption and embrace sustainable consumer behaviors, while shining a spotlight on the emergence of consumers who advocate sustainability.

On Oct. 20, DTI conducted the Business Permit and Licensing Officers’ (BPLO) Assembly, Consumer Forum on Oct. 21 and Service and Repair Enterprises Dialogue with Consumer Net on Oct. 22.

To ensure that consumer rights are familiar to not only adults but also to young individuals, DTI Camarines Sur engaged the partnership of public and private schools in Camarines Sur in the conduct of 2023 Quiz Bee Consumerism Challenge at the Provincial level with Junior High School students as participants. The event was held Monday, Oct.16 at the Robinsons Naga Atrium.

Roxanne D. Robas and Travis Jeolo S. Loquinario from Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) secured the top posts during the provincial round with Jay Ronnel M. Coronel and Venice Malagueño from Ateneo de Naga University (ADENU) Junior High School came in second place. The third prize was claimed by Ma. Gabrielle C. Purtuguez and Grace-Ann Pitogo from Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel.

CSNHS and ADENU JHS vested 18 other participating schools to earn their spots in the regional consumerism challenge.

CamSur National High School clinched the second position in the 2023 Regional Consumerism Challenge, which took place on October 23 in Legazpi City.

(Right photo: Eighteen public and private schools in Camarines Sur participated during the 2023 Quiz Bee on Consumerism held at the Robinsons Naga Atrium on Oct.16, 2023 (Photo:DTi CS)

Orgulyo Kan Bikol (OKB)

DTI Camarines Sur also took part in the 28th edition of the Orgulyo kan Bikol (OKB) Trade and Travel Fair, held at the Grand Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila from October 19 to 22. This event was made possible through the cooperative efforts of multiple government agencies.

DTI Bicol Regional Office led the launching of OKB in partnership with OKB Association Inc., DOT Region V, City Government of Tabaco, Rural Bank of Guinobatan and Shangri-La Plaza.

The trade exhibition highlighted delicious cuisine and creative handmade goods, presenting the finest creations from Bicolano entrepreneurs. (With reports from DTICSur, PIA 5/RO5)