Public urged to buy Pinoy products this holiday season

MANILA, Philippines - A female lawmaker urged the public yesterday to buy Philippine-made products this holiday season to spur the local economy and promote love of country.

Democratic Independent Workers’ Association party-list Rep. Emmeline Aglipay said the Christmas and New Year spending could be more meaningful if locally made products are purchased as it would immediately benefit fellow Filipinos.

She said buying local products would also save on foreign exchange that is used to purchase imports.

She also cautioned the public against buying substandard products during the holidays, especially imported toys that may contain harmful chemicals.

Aglipay urged the Department of Trade and Industry to intensify programs that promote the purchase of Filipino products.

Meanwhile, Ako Bicol party-list representatives called on Filipinos to purchase gifts that are environment-friendly.

“Buying indigenous-inspired gifts will contribute to our economy by saving dollar reserves, enhancing livelihood opportunities in the countryside and boosting micro-entrepreneurs and cottage industries. Remarkably, this will also play a role in protecting our environment,” Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe said.