October is Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) and the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III gears up for the series of activities to promote consumer protection and advocacy in the region. 

The celebration started with a kick-off activity last October 3, 2022 at the Ephatha Development Center, SACOP, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: “Sustainable Consumerism in the Digital Age” with the goal of increasing advocacy for sustainability and encouraging a mindful shift in consumption, particularly when it comes to purchasing goods and services online. 

Ms. Camille Albarracin of Everything Green and Ms. Meg Anne Santos of Plastic Credit Exchange served as guest speakers during the kick-off program. Ms. Albarracin talked about sustainable consumption and production on the perspective of the business sector while Ms. Santos made a presentation on the consumer sector’s perspective.

The awarding ceremony for the 2022 Bagwis Awards was also held during the program. DTI-3 gave out three (3) Bagwis Awards to outstanding establishments in Central Luzon. Toyota Marilao received the gold level award while Circle J General Stores and ADD Garbes Servitek, both from Zambales, received the silver and bronze awards, respectively.  The DTI-Bagwis Awards give due recognition to establishments that uphold the rights of consumers while practicing responsible business where consumers get the best value for money.

During the CWM, the DTI also observes the National Standards Week (08-14 October 2022), in time for the World Standards Day on 14 October 2022. 

In addition, DTI-3 Regional Director Leonila T. Baluyut said that its regional and 7 provincial offices have also prepared activities to ensure that consumer protection is still promoted especially now that pandemic quarantine restrictions have eased. Among the activities to be conducted are consumer welfare webinars, fun runs, zumba, quizbees, and E-poster making, spoken poetry, and vlogging contests.  

To participate in the activities, the public is advised to contact the DTI provincial offices in their localities or visit the official social media pages of DTI regional and provincial offices in Central Luzon to send a message. They may also call DTI-3 telephone numbers at (045) 625-9290.