A group of DTI Region 8 staff wearing purple shirts poses alongside Barangay 79 Sirin officials and community members in Tacloban City. They are gathered around donated pre-loved clothing intended for local fire victims, taken on March 14, 2025, during an orientation on basic consumer rights and responsibilities.
A DTI Region 8 representative wearing a purple shirt speaks to participants during an orientation on basic consumer rights and responsibilities in Barangay 79 Sirin, Tacloban City. Behind her, posters highlight the theme “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”

Tacloban City —The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) strengthened its commitment to consumer protection and community support by conducting an Orientation on Basic Consumer Rights and Responsibilities for Barangay 39 Sirin officials and staff on March 14.

Held in celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, this initiative aimed to educate local leaders on consumer welfare and empower them with essential knowledge to assist their constituents.

“Aadi kami yana para maghatag ha iyo hin dugang nga impormasyon han iyo mga katungod ngan responsibilidad komo konsumidores ngan andam gihapon kami batunon an iyo mga pakiana (We are here today to provide you with valuable information about your rights and responsibilities as consumers, and we are more than willing to address your concerns),” said Consumer Protection Division Chief Eleanor Etulle, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness.

A total of 23 participants actively engaged in discussions. Key concerns raised included product replacement policies, warranties, expiration dates, and business name registration, among others.

Beyond consumer education, the DTI Region 8 extended support to fire victims within the barangay by donating pre-loved clothing, providing much-needed relief to affected families.

This initiative aligns with the DTI’s World Consumer Rights Day advocacy, which this year revolves around the theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.” Part of this advocacy encourages sustainable shopping habits, such as buying and selling thrift or pre-loved items.

“An pagpalit ngan paggamit hin pre-loved o ukay-ukay nga mga panapton, nakakatabang pagpadukwag han kinabuhi han produkto, nagpapakumud han basura, ngan nag-uupay han kinaiyahan kontra ha pagproseso hin bag-o nga paninda (Supporting pre-loved or thrift items extends the lifespan of products, reduces waste, and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing, offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion),” shared the DTI-Region 8 team.

Barangay Councilor Abundio Serrano expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, stating, “Dako amon pasalamat nga nagkadi an DTI para magbuhat hini nga adbokasiya ha amon barangay (We are deeply grateful to DTI for bringing this advocacy to our barangay).”

Through these initiatives, the DTI remains steadfast in its mission to uphold consumer rights while fostering sustainability and community resilience. ♦

Date of Release: 19 March 2025

Related posts:

A group photo shows Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and several staff members, including DTI Assistant Secretaries Chua and Layug, and DTI-PTIC Tokyo STR Dita Angara-Mathay, posed with Japanese business representatives including Mr. Shinji Fukami, Senior General Manager of International Business Division, Mr. Masao Osumi, General Manager, and Ms. Narumi Saito & Mr. Hidetaka Yamanokuchi from the International Business Division. They stand in a room with a gold folding screen backdrop. In front of them on the table are cups of coffee and refreshments.DTI Chief: Taiheiyo Cement eyes major expansion investments into PH infra DTI-Laguna trains business counsellors to intensify consumer education and protection DTI orders destruction of nearly PHP 300K worth of substandard safety belts OBRA MIMAROPA wraps up historic trade show for entrepreneurs and creatives The group photo of the officials of the Philippines, Hong Kong and China taken during the event. Photo shows (3rd left to 3rd right) the Regional Director of South East Asia and South Asia of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Ronald Ho; Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco; the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Huang Xilian; the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng; the Mayor of Taguig, Ms. Maria Laarni Lopez Cayetano. (Photo credit: The Government Information Centre, Hong Kong SAR)PH-HK economic links strengthened as DTI supports HKETO Jakarta seminar DTI, gov’t agencies connect farmers and consumers at Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Alaminos DTI inks MOA with NSC, strengthens security framework for construction projects At a busy market in SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines, two officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitor rice prices. One official in a white uniform shirt and ID badge holds a clipboard looking at it, while the other official in a white shirt stands nearby, observing a vendor in a yellow shirt. who is using an analog scale to weigh rice.DTI conducts simultaneous price monitoring for imported rice in SOCCSKSARGEN