Aside from enabling business, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) remains true to its mandate of empowering consumers by encouraging them to exercise their rights and know their responsibilities. According to the latest Pulse Asia Survey (Ulat ng Bayan), 80% of the Filipino consumers are aware that there are laws protecting basic consumer rights.

To ensure that consumers are informed on their rights and responsibilities as well, the DTI implements several initiatives to educate the Filipino buying public.

Among these is the Konsyumer Atbp (KATBP), a Teleradyo broadcast program that airs over DZMM AM Radio 630 and at DZMM SkyCable Channel 26, every Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NN. Hosted by ABSCBN’s Senior Reporter, Alvin Elchico, and DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Teodoro C. Pascua, this interactive program tackles a variety of consumer-related topics that are helpful to the public. The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) works closely with the ABSCBN and DZMM to produce and operate the KATBP episodes and ensures that queries and clarifications of the listeners, viewers and followers of the program are responded to.

Moreover, the DTI’s Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), conducts the Consumer Caravan in different cities to educate the consumers on theirs rights and responsibilities. The CPAB also conducts seminar and training programs to business establishments regarding Fair Trade Laws.

The dissemination of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials through the DTI’s Regional and Provincial offices as well as business establishments, also helped in educating the public on the laws protecting their rights as consumers.

Furthermore, through the use of social media, the DTI has been reaching thousands of people via internet. Consumers lodge their complaints through the DTI Philippines Facebook and the DTI Twitter accounts.

“As a consumer myself, I am certain that as long as we know our rights, no one will take advantage of us”, says CPG Undersecretary Atty. Pascua.

“The Department will continue to pursue its initiatives in order to widen the mileage of consumer awareness and vigilance”, Undersecretary Pascua adds.