LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched an interactive web-based platform to ensure faster response and intervention to consumers’ complaints in Albay.

Consumers can access the “Gabay sa Tamang Reklamo” webpage by clicking the website link https://www.consumernetalbay.ph/#about or scanning its quick response (QR) code.

“Gab,” an artificial intelligence chatbot, will guide consumers on how and where to file their complaints.

“With this platform, consumers can directly coordinate with the concerned agencies for faster response to their queries and resolutions of their complaints. We also included the AI chatbot to simplify the filing of complaints,” DTI Provincial Director Noel Bunao said.

The project was in partnership with the Albay Consumer Network, an inter-agency network of government agencies and local government units that aims to strengthen advocacy to protect consumer rights and welfare.

The contact details and official websites of the member agencies were incorporated into the said platform.

“The province of Albay is the first to implement this project in the Bicol region. If the pilot implementation is successful, it will be replicated in other provinces in the region,” said DTI Regional Director Dindo Nabol.

Aida Marjalino, a barangay health worker from barangay Balinad in the town of Camalig, said the new platform will be a big help for faster resolution of consumer complaints.

“Kung maresolbahan baga so kaso mo dakulong kaugmahan mo. Madalion na dawa ayo ka gigibo iclick mo sana, dakulaon na baga katabangan simo, arog sakon na dakulon ang trabaho iclick mo sana o edi tapos na, nawaran ka stress pagpara isip-isipon lalo na kung naresolba so piga reklamo mo,” Marjalino said.

(It’s a big relief if your complaints are resolved. It’s a big help, especially for me who’s always busy. You just need a few clicks and that’s it. You’ll not be stressed especially if your complaints are resolved.)

Frances Aliah Monforte, noted the ease and convenience in using the platform.

"Mas convenient na siya. For example may reklamo tayo, mas mapapadali na. Syempre mas helpful na siya as consumers, " she said.

(“It's more convenient. For example, complaining is easier. Of course, it’s a big help to us consumers.”) (PIA5/Albay)