DTI targets 20k subscribers of text advisory service

MANILA, Philippines — The Consumer Protection Group (CPG) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing to initially register at least 20,000 subscribers in its recently launched text advisory service.

In a Viber message, DTI-PG Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said they have started to release invites to consumers in its database for the DTI 1384 SMS service on Saturday, which informs consumers on notices and advisories from the CPG.

“We’re hoping to generate at least 20,000 subscriptions the coming weeks,” Castelo said.

On Saturday, Castelo announced the SMS service in her radio program on DZBB.

“This DTI 1384 SMS service is offered to all consumers,” Castelo said.

She said subscribers would receive all the advisories, notices, and invitations for activities by the DTI-CPG.

“Consumers need to subscribe as a respect for their privacy. We will not send messages at random,” Castelo said.

Castelo said the text blast facility is a one way service, meaning it does not allow consumers to reply through the service.

She said the DTI-CPG has collaborated with Smart Communications for the text advisory service.

To subscribe, Smart and TNT users need to text “SUBSCRIBE 1-384” to 09603544154.

Consumers of other networks can subscribe by texting “SUBSCRIBE 1-384” to 09669784816 or 09191602303.