BUKIDNON — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon continues its partnership with local government units to strengthen consumer protection and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) development in Bukidnon. 

DTI Bukidnon signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Barangay Government of Poblacion, Valencia, Bukidnon. The partnership is in line with DTI’s mandate of protecting consumers, promoting fair trade practices, and fostering the growth of MSMEs.

Through the MOU, the Barangay Government of Poblacion pledged to support, promote, participate, collaborate and/or assist DTI Bukidnon in the conduct of consumer education, Diskwento Caravans, information dissemination campaigns, fair trade laws briefings, and other related advocacy programs and activities on consumer welfare.

In addition, the barangay agreed to establish a Barangay Consumer Welfare Desk to receive, record, and resolve consumer complaints, with the assistance of DTI Bukidnon, pertaining to the products and/or services of business establishments within the barangay which include, but not limited to, defective products, price discrepancies, labeling, packaging, and “no return, no exchange” policy.

It also committed to support programs and activities relating to MSME development and promotion.

On other hand, DTI Bukidnon will initiate and/or conduct consumer education, information, and advocacy programs to raise the level of awareness and understanding of consumers on their rights and responsibilities; salient provisions of the Republic Act No. 7394 or Consumer Act of the Philippines; and other fair trade laws, rules, and regulations.

DTI Bukidnon will also initiate and implement projects and programs intended to aid and/or assist the needs of MSMEs in the barangay.

The MOU was signed by Hon. Antonio “Dodo” P. Zambrano, Barangay Captain of Poblacion, Valencia City and DTI Bukidnon Provincial Director Famelah Racquel Villanueva. It was witnessed by Poblacion Barangay Kagawad Tristan Jerome Borbon and Barangay Kagawad Juan Laviña Alonso and DTI Bukidnon’s Consumer Protection Division Chief Junar Merla and Business Development Division Chief Anabelle Encabo. ♦

Date of Release: 14 May 2024