DTI launches education program for consumers

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch an Integrated Consumer Education Program in order to increase public awareness on the need to be properly informed of their rights and for them to be involved as consumers.

The DTI seeks to reinvigorate some of its existing projects for consumer welfare on May 31 to emphasize its commitment to serve not only the buying public but also business enterprises.

Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said the Integrated Consumer Education is a flagship program of the Department that aims to increase consumer awareness and education in the youth through the development of education materials on consumer welfare protection.

During the program launch, DTI will formally turn over the 107 lesson exemplars (LEs) and 10 modules on consumer education to the Department of Education (DepEd) for implementation. The LEs and modules were developed in collaboration with DepEd’s Bureau of Secondary Education (BES) and the Alternative Learning System (ALS). The DTI also collaborated with the industry through the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation Inc. (PPSQF) and sought assistance on product expertise.

The lesson exemplars introduce consumer protection based on the fair trade laws. They are incorporated in eight learning areas of secondary education namely, English, Mathematics, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, Values, Science, Technology and Livelihood Education, and Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH).

On the other hand, the modules on product standards were designed for mobile learners or out-of-school youth in the secondary level. These are step-by-step guides on quality and safety specifications of critical products in the market. The products for the first set of modules are automotive battery, compact fluorescent lamp, flat glass and LPG cylinder. The products for the second set of modules are cement, ceramic tile, electric flat iron, lighter, monobloc chair and safety match.

 “Start them young in consumer education and in a couple of years the country will have a vibrant sector that will be demanding better products and services,” Lapus said. “This will be good for the economy since manufacturers and stores will be forced to sell only quality goods.”