ILOILO CITY -- Several business establishments in the city and province of Iloilo on Wednesday underwent skills upgrading to improve awareness on consumer welfare.
The seminar was conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr., in an interview on Thursday, said a total of 65 representatives from different business establishments attended the one-day seminar.
Cadena said strengthening and maintaining consumer welfare desks in the establishments is among the highlighted topics during the seminar.
He said business establishments should be convinced of the importance of the consumer welfare desk in their respective stores.
He also noted that these establishments should have regular and qualified staff to man their consumer welfare desks and a personnel knowledgeable in handling the complaints of consumers and resolving them at their level.
The participants were also reoriented about the fair trade laws, law on senior citizens, no shortchanging act and law on product standards.
Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines is the “policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumers, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry.”
Cadena stressed that these laws are important to promote and advance consumer protection.
The participants were likewise oriented about the “DTI-Bagwis Program” which gives due recognition to establishments which uphold the rights of consumers while practising responsible business where consumers get the best value for money.
The same program also encouraged the setting up of Consumer Welfare Desks or customer relations office inside malls which will provide information to consumers and will serve as a mechanism for the speedy resolution of consumer complaints.
DTI-Iloilo is gearing for the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this October. (PNA)
