The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 Consumer Protection Team celebrated love month by strengthening partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs) and line agencies.
DTI-Region 2 led by Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, gained full cooperation from the City of Ilagan, Isabela and the Municipality of Aparri, Cagayan in fostering its mandate to champion both the consumers and the business sector. On separate occasions, RD Ocampo convened with the Price Coordinating Councils of the said LGUs and discussed plans and activities to advance the welfare of consumers as a whole and the businesses as well.
Complementary to this move was the full support of the Local Chief Executives of Aglipay and Saguday, Quirino in the implementation and establishment of the Consumer Welfare Assistance Center (CWAC) in their municipalities. This project was also presented to other municipalities in Quirino and is projected to be emulated in the region.
Furthermore, the City Government of Tuguegarao adopted and enacted the Price Tag Ordinance which was drafted and proposed by DTI-Cagayan. The ordinance mandates the placing of price tag on basic necessities and prime commodities and all merchandise sold on retail within the city. Similarly, this is yet again an initial move and the same will be proposed to other cities and municipalities.
Joint operations and activities were also undertaken. For one, the “Operation Timbangan” was conducted which resulted in the confiscation of 57 defective weighing scales by the LGU for proper calibration. Twinned with this initiative was the installation of Timbangan ng Bayan and Bantay Presyo Bulletin Board. Also, a regular comprehensive monitoring with the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) and line agencies was steered which resulted to the issuances of Notice of Violation against nine business establishments. In addition, eight sari-sari stores were advised on the proper placing of price tag and other labels and 10 business establishments (in Batanes) were advised to dispose their expired merchandise.
Information advocacies are maintained through the regular radio program Konsyumerismo at Negosyo, Ating Alamin Dito, DTI QuiriNEWS, Serbisyo On-Air and the continuous guesting and appearances in various radio stations and social media. DTI-Region 2 looks forward for more collaborative endeavors with the LGUs, line agencies, and private organizations in the region in advancing consumer protection and spreading awareness on consumerism and fair trade laws and regulations in place. ♦
Date of Release: 23 February 2021