The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 3 proudly opened the month-long celebration of Consumer Welfare Month this October with a kickoff ceremony that underscored the agency’s continuing commitment to protect and empower Filipino consumers.
Anchored on Presidential Proclamation No. 1098 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos, the Consumer Welfare Month is observed every month of October. This observance is a reminder of the shared responsibility of government, business, and consumers alike to uphold the rights of every Filipino consumer and to promote fairness, transparency, and safety in the marketplace.
This year’s theme, “Bida ang Konsyumer sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlights the indispensable role of every Filipino consumer in shaping a progressive economy and fair marketplace.
A key highlight of the kickoff ceremony was the recognition of the Central Luzon Best Provincial Gold Bagwis Awardees for 2025, honored for their steadfast dedication to fair trade, consumer protection, and excellent customer service.
This year’s awardees are:
- Aurora – Robinsons Easymart, Baler
- Bataan – Ton Maria Convenience Store (7-Eleven), Orion
- Bulacan – Pandayan Bookshop, Hagonoy
- Nueva Ecija – Waltermart Supermarket Inc., San Jose City
- Pampanga – Toyota Angeles City
- Tarlac – Magic Star Supermarket, Paniqui
- Zambales – CSI Warehouse Club, Inc., Iba
The Bagwis Seal of Excellence, conferred by DTI, is awarded to establishments that uphold the highest standards of consumer welfare, fair trade, and quality service. More than just an award, the Gold Bagwis Seal represents a badge of trust, integrity, and excellence, assuring every Filipino consumer that their rights are protected and their welfare prioritized.
“Your achievement inspires other establishments to follow your example, creating a marketplace that is fair, transparent, and truly responsive to the needs of our people,” said DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon.
Another highlight of the event was the Consumer Advocates Knowledge Battle, where consumer organizations from each province competed in a quiz bee on consumer welfare. The representatives from Bulacan Province emerged as the winners of the event, composed of Mr. Jose F. Sosa, Ar. Jonas E. Golez, and Mr. Anacleto A. Hermogenes. The champions received P5,000.00 worth of gift certificates.
As part of the month-long observance, DTI-3 and its provincial offices have lined up a series of activities designed to raise consumer awareness and engagement, including fun runs, seminars and workshops, consumer product monitoring, quiz bees, and spoken poetry competitions. The celebration will culminate with the Search for the Central Luzon Consumer Advocate on October 28 at the Waltermart Mall, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
As Consumer Welfare Month unfolds, DTI-3 reiterates its call for businesses and consumers alike to champion ethical practices, uphold fair trade, and make informed choices in the marketplace.
