The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region will hold a Consumer Organizations’ Summit in the afternoon on October 26 at Felcris Centrale, Quimpo Boulevard, Davao City.

The summit aims to form a federation of all consumer organizations (COs) in the region to build a stronger stance towards consumer protection and empowerment.  As a federation, these groups are expected to unify and work towards a common direction to efficiently respond to consumers’ needs. 

DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said being in the forefront of consumer protection and empowerment, the federation is a welcome development.

“As our partner they can definitely help us in pushing our mandate to continuously protect and empower consumers,” Ambi said.

This activity is one of the highlights of the Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) 2017.  October has been identified since 1998 as the CWM, though Proclamation No. 1098 which took effect in September 1998.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Consumer Rights in the Digital Age,” with DTI as the lead agency. 

“This year’s theme emphasize the need for consumers to be more vigilant and be on guard on their rights especially with the emergence of web-based business deals and online marketing,” Ambi explained.

The advocacy of this event is incorporated in the various activities lined-up for implementation during the month-long celebration. Among these activities are media interviews, hanging of CWM streamers and the culmination activity is a simultaneous conduct of Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan Fair and Consumer Quiz Bowl and Poster Making Contest on October 26-27 at Felcris Centrale.  

To recall, a Consumer Fun Run kicked off the month-long celebration last October 1. ♦