DTI Region VI Launches Consumer Welfare Month

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI has launched a month-long celebration of Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) this October under the theme, “Be Smart, Assert Your Consumer Rights!”

DTI VI has prepared a range of activities to engage and educate consumers across Western Visayas.

“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating CWM by taking part in our activities and learning about DTI’s programs for consumers,” said DTI VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable.

The celebration is built around the eight fundamental consumer rights, with each week focusing on specific themes. The first week highlights basic needs, choice, and redress, forming a foundation for consumer empowerment. The second week centers on safety, underscoring the importance of consumer protection. The third week focuses on promoting a healthy environment, aligning consumer rights with sustainability. Information, education, and representation are the focus of the fourth week, aiming to create more informed and engaged consumers.

The month concludes with a focus on preparations for UNDAS (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) in the fifth week. During this period, DTI will monitor essential items such as bottled water, candles, and flowers to ensure fair pricing and quality standards during the high-demand season.

Throughout the celebration, consumers can look forward to the Diskwento Caravan, which offers affordable goods and crafts in various provinces, in collaboration with local government units and manufacturers.

Youth engagement is also a priority, with events like the Consumer Quiz Bee designed to educate young people on their rights and responsibilities. Additionally, the agency will observe National Standards Week in conjunction with World Standards Day on Oct. 14, 2024.

Key regional events include an episode of the Istorya TNK radio program with DTI Region VI and Radyo Pilipinas on Oct. 6, an Adopt-a-Plant activity during the third week, a Diskwento Market Caravan in the fourth week, a Consumer Protection Conference on Oct. 25, and a press conference on UNDAS monitoring on Oct. 30.

Each province has planned its own activities to address local needs. Aklan will host a Consumer Protection Social Media IEC Contest and a “DTI Meets the Media on Consumerism” event. Antique will hold a media conference called Hinun-anun and organize Diskwento Caravans and Kadiwa ng Pangulo events. Capiz will launch Consumer Corners, advocate for World Standards Day, and reorganize the Capiz Retailers Association. Guimaras will launch a Consumer Welfare Desk and hold orientations on Service and Repair Enterprises. Iloilo will organize a CWM Quiz Bee, Bagwis Awarding, an Interagency Linkaging forum, and an In-Store Diskwento Sale. Negros Occidental will open the Timbangan ng Bayan Center in Kabankalan City and participate in Kadiwa ng Pangulo events.

DTI VI encourages consumers to stay informed about their rights and participate in these events. For more information, visit the official Facebook pages of the DTI provincial offices or the DTI Region VI Facebook page.