As the frontline agency that champions consumer protection, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joined the global celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on 15 March 2019 with the theme “Trusted Smart Products.”

DTI, through its Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), localized the WCRD celebration with the tagline, “Pinagkakatiwalaang produkto para sa mamimiling Pilipino”. The Department kicked-off the WCRD with a consumer forum held at the Midtown Atrium Robinson’s Place Manila with resource speakers from the following: Clark Development Corporation; Internet of Things Philippines, Inc.; Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines; Intellectual Property of the Philippines; and the Local Government of Quezon City. The speakers discussed smart products and services, their benefits, and the impact in the lives of consumers. The forum also provided the public an opportunity to stay ahead on the issue on privacy and security, and the establishment of standards and practices for a connected environment where consumers can reap the benefits of the emergence of smart technology without compromising their rights and welfare.

“DTI supports the campaign of Consumers International, the world federation of consumer organizations, in ensuring consumers’ access to digital products and services that they can trust. Today’s event also highlights the importance of putting consumers at the heart of the development of these smart products,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

A smart product is defined as something that can share and interact with its user and other devices. With the help of modern technology, companies have been creating more advanced digital products that can better assist the consumers in their daily tasks such as smart phones, smart televisions, game consoles, and health trackers, among others.

At the sideline of the forum, a variety of smart products were showcased at the WCRD exhibit wherein state-of-the-art home appliances, gadgets, and inventions from Sharp Philippines, Smart PLDT, Samsung Philippines, Internet of Things, Inc. and Adamson University were featured.

Consumer Corner Launching at Robinson’s

DTI, in partnership with Robinson’s Supermarket, also launched the Consumer Corner Program to widen the access of the general public to consumer-related information and avenues for redress. This would enable them to become wiser, more vigilant, and empowered consumers. The Consumer Corner Program is a partnership project with business establishments that aims to strengthen and promote consumer welfare and protection by providing an information desk that is strategically located inside retail stores where consumers can gain access to consumer-related information materials of the DTI.

“Well-informed consumers are protected consumers. For this reason, DTI is highly committed to continuously provide accessible, relevant, and useful information to the consumers on their rights, responsibilities, and protection under the law to safeguard their welfare and interests. Consumers can expect that as the Department intensifies its advocacy efforts, Consumer Corners will soon be found in every retail establishment nationwide,” said DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.

 For more consumer-relation information, visit the DTI website (www.dti.gov.ph) or contact DTI Consumer Care 1-384 (1-DTI) and ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of Release: 15 March 2019