THE SIGNIFICANCE of consumer welfare and rights cannot be overstated. As we mark Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) this October, initiatives being taken by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Iloilo serve as a timely reminder of the vital link between informed consumers and sustainable progress.
It’s a simple, yet powerful sentiment: An informed consumer is an empowered consumer. The essence of this idea lies in the understanding that when consumers are aware of their rights and the avenues available for their protection, they are better positioned to make choices that not only benefit them personally but also contribute to the broader societal and environmental good.
DTI’s effort to spread awareness about the eight basic rights of consumers — from the fundamental right to basic needs to the right to a healthy environment — is commendable. By organizing advocacy activities in various municipalities and leveraging the power of social media, the department is ensuring that its message reaches a broad audience. The inclusion of the Product Standards Corner and the Social Media and Infomercial Making Contest further underscores the importance of intertwining consumer education with contemporary modes of communication.
Yet, the celebrations for CWM go beyond just ensuring consumers are aware of their rights. The theme for this year’s celebration, “GenS: Generation Sustainable”, brings to the forefront an essential aspect of consumerism — sustainability. The 7Rs of sustainability (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle, and repair) encapsulate a philosophy that every individual, business, and government agency should adopt. It’s not just about buying and selling; it’s about creating a cycle of sustainable consumption and production that leaves a minimal carbon footprint.
The emphasis on encouraging micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to develop “greening programs” is particularly noteworthy. MSMEs form the backbone of many economies, including that of Iloilo. By prompting these enterprises to integrate environmentally-friendly activities, DTI is not only promoting a sustainable business ethos but also ensuring that these businesses remain resilient in the face of changing environmental scenarios.
Consumer rights, as DTI-Iloilo Director Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo rightly pointed out, is about giving back to the consumers. It’s about creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem where businesses thrive, consumers are protected, and the environment is preserved.
As we continue through Consumer Welfare Month, let us take a moment to reflect on our roles as consumers and recognize the power we hold in driving sustainable change. The onus is on each one of us, and with the right information and tools at our disposal, we can make a difference.
