TARLAC CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac held an orientation seminar as part of the culminating activity for Tarlac’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration, aimed to further strengthen its advocacy to promote and protect consumer welfare in the province.
Attended by representatives from business establishments, students, and business organizations, the seminar tackled various fair trade laws and their importance in ensuring consumer welfare.
DTI Tarlac Trade Industry Development Specialist Mary Ann Estacio stressed that one way to promote consumer welfare is by practicing fair trade.
“Nagkoconduct po kami ng Fair Trade Law Orientation for business establishments because we believe para maitaguyod ang consumer protection, iyong mga business establishments natin, they should know kung ano ba dapat ang kailangang magampanan nila (We are conducting Fair Trade Law orientations for business establishments because we believe that in order to promote consumer protection, our business establishments should know their roles),” she said.
Among the topics discussed by Estacio were sales promotion, securing permits for sales promotions, and the ‘no return, no exchange’ policy.
Meanwhile, DTI Tarlac Trade Industry Development Specialist Wessa Dizon reminded participants of the key things to check when purchasing products.
Dizon listed items to look for, such as Import Commodity Clearance or Philippine Standard marks for products like appliances, proper labeling, and the use of price tags.
DTI Tarlac OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo underscored the importance of knowing the rights and responsibilities of consumers.
“Tayong mga mamimili ay may mahalagang papel hindi lang sa pagtangkilik ng mga produkto kundi bilang katuwang sa pagtataguyod ng maayos, patas, at maunlad na ekonomiya (As consumers, we play an important role not only in patronizing products but also as partners in promoting an orderly, fair and progressive economy),” Balilo noted.
In line with the agency’s advocacy, DTI Tarlac awarded 15 business establishments the Bagwis Seal of Excellence Award for their compliance with trade laws and their practice of responsible business.
