With the implementation of mobility restrictions and social distancing measures, the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined economic and social resilience. The onset of the pandemic has urged labor markets, economies, and enterprises to confront massive business interruptions. Equally, it calls government agencies to launch active and targeted initiatives that will transform online platforms into a more conducive and responsive business landscape for all industry and services sector.
During the blended Regional Consumer Welfare Month Program and Kapihan sa Baguio, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-CAR) OIC Regional Director (RD) Juliet P. Lucas said that the government recognizes the need to revolutionize the online domain to ensure economic opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide sufficient reliable products and services to the general public.
With this year’s theme, “Digital Consumers: The New Normal”, the DTI and members of ConsumerNet Cordillera assured consumers of the group’s continuing engagement and advocacies that will provide them protection even through the use of the internet and the available online platforms.
DTI-CAR Consumer Welfare Division Head Jeremias Agpes encouraged local consumers to organize and help the ConsumerNet in promoting consumer rights. Consumer organization is an organized group of consumers where membership is voluntary and whose primary objective is to protect consumers against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable trade act and practices detrimental to consumer interests.
Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 20-07, Series of 2020 or the Revised Guidelines on the Recognition of Consumer Organizations, DTI recognizes the importance of the involvement and participation of consumer organization in every aspect of promoting consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer representation in the legislative agenda, and other consumer-related programs. Said DAO enjoins all consumer organizations in the country to enlist with the DTI to further strengthen consumer awareness.
The La Trinidad Women’s Brigade, a newly formed local consumer organization received their Certificate of Recognition during the Consumer Welfare Month program held at the Newtown Plaza.
Also recognized via zoom are consumer organizations Abra Diocesan and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Association of Luna, Apayao Retiree and Consumers Inc., Ifugao Youth Association, BIBAK Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Tabuk City, Kalinga, with certificates signed by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez. ♦
Date of Release: 18 October 2021