Northern Mindanao pushes for federation of consumer groups

Monday 23rd of July 2012

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, July 23 (PIA) -- Consumer groups in Northern Mindanao unanimously agreed on the creation of a regional federation of consumer organizations in Region 10.

This was the result of the discussions during the Regional Consumer Assembly held recently in Cagayan de Oro City as revealed by Ruel B. Paclipan, provincial director, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte Provincial Office.

The establishment of the regional federation, which is targeted in the third quarter of 2012, is expected to unify the voices of the different consumer organizations in the region, said Paclipan.

Some of the issues and concerns raised by the different stakeholders were public consciousness on consumer laws and fair trade laws, implementation of consumer laws, strong linkages among different sectors and government support to consumer groups.

On the other hand, among the best practices highlighted during the assembly were the implementation of consumer welfare projects such as Bagsakan Center and Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) in business establishments, proactive Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) and effective market administration.

After the discussion, the following recommendations were formulated: regular updating of price monitoring boards in markets, especially for fish and meat products; strengthening of LPCCs to effectively perform their duties, particularly during calamities; and procurement of testing and weighing devices to measure products sold in the market.

Outputs from the Regional Consumer Assembly will be presented at the upcoming National Consumer Congress scheduled on October 1, to kick off the Consumer Welfare Month celebration.

It will be joined by the representatives from the consumer organizations, academe and partner agencies to come up with a National Action Plan for the advancement of consumer welfare and protection, Paclipan said. (EOR/LVG-PIA10, LDN/DTI 10)