DTI DavNor intensifies consumer education

DAVAO  DEL NORTE, Jan. 29 (PIA)--- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte Provincial Office intensified last year its consumer education services which formed the critical component of its fair trade laws monitoring and enforcement.

The recently released 2014 Annual Accomplishment Report of DTI Davao del Norte Provincial Office showed that the office rolled out six consumer education activities, touching based with schools, local government units and the disadvantaged sector.

In line with its “Ramdam Ka Ba Ni Juan” project,  the provincial office of DTI distributed nine Consumer Rights and Responsibilities (CRR) billboards, 10 Bantay Presyo Billboards, 111 CRR collaterals such as foldable fans, mugs, umbrellas and bags to LGUs, private establishments and consumers.

The three Presyo Diskwento caravans that DTI conducted in 2014 not only offered discounted products to ordinary consumers but also brought closer to communities  its services relative to informing the public of consumer rights.

DTI Davao del Norte also developed more advocates for consumer education and empowerment (ACE) through conducting seminars on consumer rights and responsibilities and fair trade laws.

The provincial official of DTI waged such advocacy in eight barangays of the Island Garden City of Samal particularly in Poblacion Kaputian, Villarica, Miranda, Penaplata, Caliclic, Cogon, Anonang and Mambago benefiting 220 purok and barangay leaders.

It  also conducted Consumer Education Information (CEI) campaign in 13 schools in Davao del Norte, drawing an audience of 356 high school students.

The Provincial Stakeholders Forum for  Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) conducted at NCCC Mall during the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week in July 2014 provided an opportunity for DTI Davao del Norte Office to discuss the rights and privileges of PWDs under the Special Discounts provision of the Republic Act 9442 or An Act amending the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

 A separate seminar was also conducted by DTI Davao del Norte for senior citizens who were informed of their rights, privileges and responsibilities.

To  promote excellence in consumer protection among business establishments,  DTI Davao del Norte brought back last year the Bagwis Seal for Excellence Award.

Eleven business establishments bid for the award last year and were granted with  silver and bronze seals. Among them, Toyota Tagum received the Gold Bagwis Seal.  (Jeanevive D. Abangan, PIA 11)