DAVAO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 launched several activities in celebration of the 2020 Consumer Welfare Month to benefit more consumers all over the region.
The month-long celebration opened with the Consumer Well Fair ZOOMba, an activity spearheaded by DTI-Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB). This enjoined the agency’s offices nationwide to support the government’s health and wellness program via a virtual Zumba event.
On 16 October, the e-Comics Regional Judging was conducted. The competition was open to all college students who have the ability to express or convey the message about consumer rights and responsibilities and other related consumer laws through e-Comics. Out of the 15 entries, Davao del Norte’s Joseph Cervantes Ayop grabbed the grand prize of P10,000 As the regional winner, e-Comics entitled “PM is the Key” was the region’s entry to the national competition. Meanwhile, a “Tiktok” Video Challenge was launched using the theme “Sustainable Consumer in the New Normal.” Three groups were adjudged winners of P3,000 each, namely, Gessyl S. Acupan, Marilyn R. Peñaranda, and Rowena Beth de Leon. Both e-Comics and Tiktok entries are now used as consumer advocacy info materials.
DTI-11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi expressed her appreciation to all the students who shared their talents and knowledge on consumer laws through e-Comics and other artistic forms.
Hanging of streamers and distribution of information materials to various establishments, specifically on products under mandatory certification, were also done in celebration of the Philippine Standards Week from 5-9 October. Further, consumer education and advocacy seminars, radio guesting, distribution of brochures and other information materials with health kits, signing of the memorandum of understanding and memorandum of agreement with private business organizations, and painting of consumer info graffiti wall were also among the other accomplishments across the region.
Aside from the hosting of a Webinar on Sales Promotion on 13 October, a Webinar for Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Fashion was also hosted by DTI-Mindanao offices from Regions 9 to 13 on 29 October. At least 250 participants representing consumer organizations, business establishments and stakeholders, and different government agencies participated in the two-hour activity.
“We will continue with our advocacy for a healthy environment, one of the basic consumer rights while invoking the responsibility of a consumer to preserve and protect the environment,” Ambi said, as she emphasized becoming practitioners of sustainable consumption and lifestyle.
Closing this year’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration in the region was the conduct of the two-day Presyo Diskwento Caravan at the Davao Central Warehouse Club on Lapu-Lapu Street, Agdao, Davao City last 30 and 31 October. A total of 2,998 consumers were able to enjoy basic necessities, prime commodities, and home essentials at discounted prices. This is the agency’s intervention to help consumers maximize their limited budget and mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic. Sales for the two-day activity totaled P2,450,000. ♦
Date of Release: 27 November 2020