Department of Trade and Industry XII

PRESS RELEASE
Release Date: 14 March 2017

DTI 12 holds Regional Assembly of Consumer Organizations

The Department of Trade and Industry joins other member organizations of the

Consumer International (CI) from different countries in the celebration of the World

Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on March 15, 2017.

In region 12, DTI holds a one-day Regional Assembly of Consumer Organizations on

March 15, 2017 at FB Hotel in Koronadal City in commemoration of World

Consumer Rights Day.

The WCRD is an annual occasion which marks the day when the late US President
John F. Kennedy formally addressed the issue of consumer rights on March 15,

1962 at the US Congress. It provides an opportunity to raise global awareness

about consumer rights which must be protected and respected at all times.

This years celebration theme is "Building A Digital World Consumers Can Trust",

which pushes for better digital access, security, understanding and redress.

According to DTI 12 Regional Director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel, consumers need

access to affordable, quality connections and a range of trusted providers.

Access to the Internet is a fundamental aspect of digital consumer rights.

With the advent of digital technology, Director Guiamadel asserts the active

involvement of Consumer Organizations in the conduct of activities pertaining to

consumer welfare advocacy. Among others, Consumer Organizations can do the

following, to wit:

1. conscientiously advocate among its members and the general public the

practice of the basic consumer responsibilities (critical awareness, action,

social concern, environmental awareness, and solidarity);

2. work with implementing agencies and business in undertaking consumer

welfare and protection programs to promote the basic rights of consumers;

 3. participate in governments consultation programs and activities in

formulating policies regarding consumer welfare and protection;

4. conduct consumer education and advocacy programs in order to develop

vigilant consumers;
5. monitor implementation of product quality standards and alerting

consumers of harmful products/practices proliferating in the market;

6. monitor implementation and violation of the Consumer Act, Price Act and

other related consumer laws, rules and regulations;

7. report violations to concerned implementing government agency;
8. encourage consumers to file consumer complaints before concerned

implementing government agencies;

9. assist or act as duly authorized representatives of consumers on matters

pertaining to consumer complaints; and

10.participate in the annual celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month in

October;

To date, SOCCKSARGEN Region has six (6) Consumer Organizations. These are:

a) Konsumo Kidapawan Association, Inc.

b) Koronadal City Consumers Association (KOCICA)

c) SK SUPER Consumer

d) Sarangani Consumer Association (SACA)

e) General Santos City Consumer Welfare Council, Inc.

f) Cotabato City Consumer Association, Inc.

Prepared by:

ELAINE NITA L. FEROLINO

Supervising TIDS

Reviewed by:

MARY ANN M. MORALES

Chief TIDS, Trade Development Division
DTI Regional Office 12
Approved by:

IBRAHIM K. GUIAMADEL
Regional Director, DTI-12