Mindanao consumers plan to establish regional federation

Manila, Philippines - Consumer groups in Mindanao are planning to establish a regional federation this year to promote increased awareness and implementation of consumer laws.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that the plan was agreed upon during the recent regional consumer assembly held in Cagayan de Oro City.

“The establishment of the regional federation, which is targeted in the third quarter of 2012, is expected to unify the voices of the different consumer organizations in the region,” it said.

The regional federation seeks to increase public consciousness on consumer and fair trade laws.

The regional federation likewise seeks to promote strong linkages among various sectors and get government support.

The DTI said that apart from the plan to create a regional federation of consumer groups in Mindanao, recommendations made during the regional consumer assembly include the continued implementation of projects like the Bagsakan Center and Consumer Welfare Desk in business establishments.

Based on the discussions, it was also recommended that price monitoring boards be updated regularly and that Local Price Coordinating Councils strengthened so that during times of calamities they can perform their duties better.

The procurement of testing and weighing devices to measure products sold in the market was also brought up in the discussions.

Other regional consumer assemblies organized by the DTI have also been asked to come up with recommendations to strengthen consumer welfare and protection in their respective areas.

The DTI said that to advance the welfare of consumers and promote their protection, the government is looking at coming up with a National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan, it said, should be based on the outputs of the different regional consumer assemblies.

The outputs of the different regional consumer assemblies would be presented at the National Consumer Congress to be held in October.