CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will promote “consumerism” through public awareness campaigns as part of the Consumer Welfare Month.

Leonila Baluyut, DTI provincial director, said this year's Consumer Welfare Month opened on October 5 and will end on October 26.

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She said public awareness on consumer rights will be promoted through media information drives and public forums with consumer groups and merchandisers and retailers.

October is known as Consumer Welfare Month through Presidential Decree 1098.

DTI regional director Blesila Lantayona said this year's event carries the theme: "Generic Drugs, Gawang Pinoy, Galing Pinoy, Tangkilikin Natin".

She added DTI will not only intensify the monitoring of prices of drugs, but also the prices of basic commodities and products such as construction and electrical products which are included in the department's mandatory inspection.

Lantayona added that the Consumer Welfare Month also focuses on consumer rights.

“Vital to the consumers welfare is enlightening them of their eight basic rights which include the right to basic needs, right to safety, right to information, right to choose, right to representation, right to redress, right to consumer education and the right to a healthy environment,” Lantayona said.

With effective public awareness, the DTI also aims at developing awareness on consumer rights and responsibilities, consumer welfare desks, the process in the resolution of
consumer complaints, the Consumer Act, the prohibition of the "no return no exchange policy" among establishments, advocacy on receipts, the right of a redress if product is defective,
among others. (Ian Ocampo Flora)