DTI ConVerse 2026 tackles scams, product safety, road risks

ILOILO CITY — More than 140 government officials, business leaders, consumer advocates, and youth representatives gathered in Iloilo City on Oct. 28, 2026, for ConVerse 2026, a regional consumer protection conference addressing unsafe products, investment scams, road safety, and other risks affecting consumers and businesses.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Western Visayas, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Western Visayas, and Robinsons Jaro, the conference sought to strengthen cooperation in protecting consumers and promoting fair business practices.

The event, held at Robinsons Jaro, formed part of Consumer Welfare Month, observed nationwide every October under the 2026 theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”

Carrying the tagline “Connecting Voices, Advancing Consumer Protection,” the daylong gathering brought together representatives of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), government agencies, civic organizations, transport groups, and student delegations.

The conference emphasized the importance of consumer protection in sustaining business confidence, safeguarding household spending, and supporting economic activity across Western Visayas.

Government, business leaders push shared responsibility

Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul N. Banias delivered the opening message on behalf of Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr.

Banias highlighted the connection between public safety, coordinated law enforcement, and consumer confidence in supporting regional economic development.

He also underscored the role of interagency cooperation through the Regional Peace and Order Council in maintaining conditions that allow businesses and communities to thrive.

DTI Region 6 acting Regional Director Mutya D. Eusores emphasized that consumer protection should extend beyond routine regulatory enforcement and become a shared responsibility among government agencies, businesses, and consumers.

PCCI-Iloilo Vice President for External Affairs Jose Francisco Gerona, who also serves as PCCI Region 6 pillar head for prosperity, reaffirmed the business community’s commitment to fair trade and compliance with quality standards.

Incoming 2027 JCI Philippines Regional Vice President for Western Visayas Eliza Mae C. Capa, RN, LPT, highlighted the role of youth leadership and ethical entrepreneurship in strengthening consumer trust.

The speakers emphasized that effective consumer protection requires coordinated action from regulators, industry groups, civic organizations, and the public.

Three panels address consumer protection challenges

A major component of ConVerse 2026 was its “Three Conversations, One Goal” panel series, which examined regulatory challenges and emerging consumer risks.

The first discussion, “Safe Products, Fair Markets,” focused on technical regulations, mandatory product certification, quality assurance, and market compliance.

Panelists included Engr. Nerio Jr. M. Gacutan of the DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards, Ricci Hortillo-Torio of the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, Engr. Micko Custodio of the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, and Sanie D. Ong of PCCI Guimaras.

Janice Abellar of DTI Region 6 moderated the discussion.

The panel emphasized the importance of ensuring that products covered by mandatory certification requirements comply with established safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.

DTI’s certification system includes the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) mark for products covered by applicable mandatory standards.

These markings help consumers identify regulated products that have undergone the required conformity assessment procedures.

The second discussion, “Ligtas na Kalsada: A Shared Responsibility,” examined passenger protection, traffic enforcement, accident prevention, and compliance with transportation regulations.

Participants included Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 representative Ma. Joscet Buyco-Abellar.

Also joining the panel were retired police Col. Uldarico A. Garbanzos of the Iloilo City government, retired police Col. Cornelio R. Salinas of the Iloilo provincial government, and Ma. Luisa C. Segovia of the Iloilo Business Club.

Joyalita B. Tigres of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region 6 served as moderator.

Representatives of the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office and Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office, along with the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, contributed perspectives on traffic and road safety concerns.

The Department of Health Region 6 also provided a reaction highlighting the Western Visayas Road Safety Action Plan for 2026-2028 and the importance of injury prevention.

The discussion underscored the need for stronger cooperation among transportation regulators, local governments, businesses, and health authorities to reduce road crashes and protect commuters.

The third panel, “Legit Check: Safeguarding Consumers, Investments and MSMEs,” tackled investment scams, online fraud, business legitimacy, corporate compliance, and digital consumer protection.

Speakers included Joel Abalos Lenaming and Samantha Drilon of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Iloilo Extension Office, Kent Armel Jaragbas of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 6, and Rani Eliquen Rodriguez of PCCI Antique.

DTI Region 6 Consumer Protection Division Chief Jazer Miranda moderated the session.

The discussion highlighted the importance of verifying the legitimacy of businesses and investment opportunities, protecting personal and financial information, and strengthening awareness of fraudulent transactions.

For MSMEs, the panel also emphasized compliance with business regulations as a way to protect customers and build confidence in legitimate enterprises.

Aklan student wins regional consumer quiz bee

Consumer education was another major component of the conference, with student delegates competing in the ConVerse 2026 Regional Consumer Quiz Bee.

Supported by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6, the competition tested students’ knowledge of fair trade laws, consumer rights, product standards, and market governance.

Six finalists representing provincial quiz bee competitions participated in the regional contest.

Chloe Ann M. Navarro of Regional Science High School for Region 6 in Aklan emerged as champion.

Navarro was accompanied by her coach, Josephine P. Vicente.

The competition sought to strengthen consumer awareness among young people and encourage them to become informed and responsible buyers.

The event also featured interactive games and a raffle supported by 16 partners.

These were Cornelius Magnate Engagement & Consulting, CITIGAS, The Yield Specialty Coffee, Coffee Brewtherhood, Owlkemy Curios, June Acebedo, Muelle Deli & Resto, INNO Digital Marketing, “InsuranceKo” EnsureMeph Insurance Broker Inc., Metro Pacific Iloilo Water, Boneless Chicken, Draft Master Innovation, Passion8 Events and Services, Stronghold Insurance Company, Buk-ans TGBG Corporation, and Handums.

The partners provided prizes and giveaways to support consumer education and engagement activities.

DTI recognizes 46 consumer-friendly businesses

Another highlight was the DTI Bagwis awarding ceremony, which recognized 46 business establishments from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

The awardees were recognized for compliance with fair trade laws, customer service standards, and responsible business practices.

The DTI Bagwis program encourages establishments to uphold consumer rights and maintain effective customer relations mechanisms.

Under the program, establishments may qualify for Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition based on their compliance with fair trade laws and additional requirements involving consumer welfare, social responsibility, and quality management.

The conference also advanced efforts to bring consumer protection information directly to commuters.

Building on the initial rollout of the Mausisaon nga Manugbakal advocacy project on Sept. 10, DTI Region 6 formally turned over additional information, education, and communication materials to transport partners.

The recipients included the Metro Iloilo Transport Service Cooperative (MITSC) and Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC).

The materials are intended for distribution aboard public utility vehicles to improve commuter awareness of consumer rights and protection measures.

DTI Region 6’s Industry Development Division also presented green economic development initiatives featuring sustainable business practices and environmentally friendly models for regional MSMEs.

The presentation highlighted opportunities for small businesses to adopt more sustainable operating practices while maintaining competitiveness.

Partnership grows from informal dialogue

The collaboration behind ConVerse 2026 began with an informal discussion among representatives of DTI Region 6, PCCI, and JCI.

DTI Region 6 Consumer Protection Division Chief Jazer Miranda initially proposed the conference during a casual meeting with business and civic leaders.

The proposal eventually developed into a regional gathering involving government regulators, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and youth organizations.

In his closing address, DTI Region 6 acting Assistant Regional Director Romel L. Amihan urged participating organizations to sustain the cooperation established during the conference.

Amihan emphasized that consumer protection becomes more effective when government agencies, business chambers, youth leaders, civic organizations, and informed consumers work together.

The organizers said the conference demonstrated how cooperation among different sectors could strengthen consumer education, promote responsible business conduct, and address emerging risks in the marketplace.

The gathering also reinforced the role of consumer protection in building public trust and supporting sustainable economic growth.