In line with the strengthening collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs) to enhance consumer protection, the DTI-FTEB in partnership with Valenzuela and Parañaque City conducts an orientation meeting for the establishment of Valenzuela Consumer Welfare Helpdesk.

The online meeting held on 08 February 2024 was part of exploratory meetings the City BPLO Officers and with Pasig City on 01 February 2024 and 15 September 2023, respectively.

With the guidance of the Parañaque Consumer Welfare Office (CWO) Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Millan Alcaraz, the requested meeting on the establishment of CWD in Valenzuela City was joined by the Valenzuela City Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) Officer-In-Charge, Ms. Janina S. Bautista, Ms. Ana Liza D. Guiao, Admin Staff of LEIPO Valenzuela, DTI-FTEB Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali, Surveillance and Monitoring Division (SMD) Chief Rosita P. Jaleco, and SMD Assistant Division Chief Mr. Joel P. Buag.

Dir. Sawali opened the session stating that: “We in FTEB would like to express our gratitude to Valenzuela City for their commendable efforts taking the initiative on reaching out to FTEB for the institution of their consumer welfare desk. You can always rely on our availability and openness to go together hand in achieving our goal”. He also highlighted the establishment of a Parañaque Consumer Welfare Office.

The Parañaque Consumer Welfare Office (CWO), through Ms. Alcaraz, shared their best practices and experiences in handling the consumer welfare unit. Parañaque City is one of the LGUs with a long-running and established consumer welfare desk.

This collaboration aims to strengthen support to LGUs through the institution of helpdesks cities for consumer complaints and concerns. The DTI launched similar programs with LGUs in the past, by promoting market monitoring and enforcement of technical regulations for consumer

protection, such as LPCC’s Ikot Palengke, RA 11706 DTI’s “Timbangan ng Bayan” Project, Republic Act No. 11900 or “Vape Law”, among others.

The DTI, as one of the implementing agencies of the Price Act, is mandated to coordinate and rationalize government programs aimed at stabilizing prices and supplies of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs).

Consumers are encouraged to report violators through podrs.dti.gov.ph and Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 27 March 2024

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