KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry here, through its Consumer Protection Unit (DTI-CPU), conducted a media orientation dubbed “DTI Meets the Media on Consumerism” to advocate consumer welfare promotion and development.
The event was part of closing this year’s celebration of Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) held on Oct. 31 at Hernani’s Restaurant in Poblacion Kalibo, carrying the theme: “Be Smart, Assert Your Consumer Rights!”
It was attended by local media partners in the province of Akan from various platforms, including online, radio, and television.
In his welcome message, Provincial Director Romel L. Amihan highlighted the media’s role as active partners of the agency in information dissemination.
“We are acknowledging the significance of consumer welfare. You, me, and all of us are consumers,” he said.
With the aid of the media, Amihan hopes that Aklanon consumers will also learn and gain knowledge from the activity.
Meanwhile, the consumer talk was presented by Pamela S. Roldan and Iris Mae I. Sarabia from the DTI-CPU.
“Dapat gid nga proteksyonan ro mga consumers from substandard and hazardous products,” Roldan stated.
(Consumers should be protected from substandard and hazardous products.)
One of the highlights of the long-month celebration was the Bagwis Awarding of Seal and Certificate of Continuous Compliance given in three levels: bronze, silver, and gold.
Moreover, in the awarding of winners for the Social Media Information and Education Campaign Contest, out of 28 different secondary schools in the Division of Aklan, Christian Baruela from Mambuquiao Integrated School was declared the champion, Edie Lee M. Ibisate from Bacan National High School bagged 2nd place, and Joanne Candido from St. Joseph’s Academy of Malinao Akan Inc. secured 3rd place.
She thanked all stakeholders, partners of the agency, and students who participated, shared their talents and expertise, and supported the CWM activities.
“Hopefully sa aton nga mga next pa nga pacontest ni DTI regarding consumer protection, hay una man giyapon kamo naga suporta,” Roldan said.
(Hopefully, in the next contests of DTI on consumer protection, you will still be there to support.)
“This showed nga consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Syempre may aton man nga obligasyon bilang isaea nga consumer, aton man nga gampanan ro raya,” she added.
(This showed that consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Of course, as a consumer we have obligations that we need to fulfill also.)
Further, DTI Aklan assured to continue supporting and recognizing institutions that help in providing economic opportunities, businesses, and consumer protection. (AGP/SQP/PIA Aklan with reports from Chantal Jade V. Tolores, DOLE-GIP)
