The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao City is intensifying its initiative to further empower the consumers, especially among the beneficiaries of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DTI-Davao Field Office has targeted to give an orientation on consumer rights and responsibilities to almost 1,500 beneficiaries from the indigent sector this year.

DTI-Davao Region Assistant Regional Director and concurrent head of DTI-DCFO Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo said that this move is aimed at empowering these consumers while giving them the avenue to better appreciate the laws that protect them against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices as embodied in Republic Act 7374 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

“It is our utmost commitment to empower consumers because when you know your rights, you will be more vigilant when making purchases,” he noted.

As such, the briefing will also be an avenue for the 4Ps beneficiaries to develop a critical attitude when availing a product or service, thus, improving their assertiveness when seeking redress.

Aside from empowering consumers, it is the goal of DTI as well to make the beneficiaries adopt an entrepreneurial mindset by integrating capability-building towards entrepreneurship during the orientation.

“It has always been our aspiration to increase everyone’s awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities while we promote the concept of sustainable consumption as a way of life,” Banquerigo added. (DTI)