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.

 

Other issues and concerns were raised by different stakeholders during the meeting such as public consciousness on consumer laws and fair trade laws, implementation of consumer laws, strong linkages among various sectors, government support to consumer groups, among others.
 

Best practices, on the other hand were highlighted during the assembly, like 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.

 

Recommendations were formulated after the discussions such as 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.

 

Aside from the Northern Mindanao, other regional consumer assemblies were organized by DTI to gather relevant stakeholders and come up with recommendations to strengthen consumer welfare and protection.

 

Outputs from the Regional Consumer Assembly will be presented at the upcoming National Consumer Congress scheduled on October 1, 2012 to kick off the Consumer Welfare Month celebration. Representatives from consumer organizations, academe and partner agencies will join the congress to come up with a National Action Plan for the advancement of consumer welfare and protection.