The Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR) celebrates this year’s Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) with the theme, “Digital Consumers: The New Normal”, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation Number 1098, Series of 1997. The theme emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and knowledge of consumers, on programs and initiatives that will provide them protection in the new normal—this time through the use of the internet and available online platforms collectively known as the digital world.

As we course through the new normal, we have witnessed the digital divide among consumers. We have seen others thrive, while some others were unfortunately left out. It is the intent of the agency to assist the consumers, especially the vulnerable sectors, to keep up with the digital transitions in the new normal.

The celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month is also an avenue to recognize the people behind the digital world. Behind all online communities and digital platforms are real people, organizations, and institutions transacting with one another. Hence, it is but fitting to advocate consumer rights and responsibilities even in the vast and permissible online real.

The CWM celebration started with a kick-off nationwide conduct of Zumba via Zoom on 1 October 2021.

Below are the other activities to look-out for throughout October:

1. Provincial CWM Program including recognition of Recognized Consumer Organization and Kapihan Press Conference, 4-8 October 2021;
2. Regional CWM Program including recognition of Recognized Consumer Organization and Kapihan Press Conference, 13 October 2021;
3. Provincial LPCC/Inter-Agency Monitoring, within October 2021;
4. Disposal/Destruction of Confiscated Nonconforming Products, within October 2021;
5. Regionwide Product Standards Monitoring and Enforcement, within October 2021;
6. Rolling Store/Diskwento Caravan, within October 2021;
7. Consumer Education and Advocacy Seminars/Trainings, within October 2021;
8. National Conference for the ASEAN Peer Review on Consumer Protection in the Philippines, 18 October 2021;
9. Bagwis e-Convention including public hearing of the Draft Amendment Guidelines on Bagwis Award, 22 October 2021;
10. Consumer e-Congress, Consumer Youth eForum, and Consumer Debate, 29 October 2021;
11. CWM Regionwide Program Assessment, 30 October 2021.

Consumers, interested participants, and general public are encouraged to visit the DTI-CAR Facebook page and DTI Consumer Care Facebook page for updates and further information. ♦

Date of Release: 5 October 2021