DTI-ARMM holds activities for 2016 Consumer Welfare Month

COTABATO CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) is conducting a series of activities in line with the celebration of the 2016 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM).Atty. Anwar Malang, DTI-ARMM secretary, said the 2016 CWM celebration is aimed at promoting consumer empowerment and cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure that consumers are well educated and protected. This year’s event holds the theme ‘Consumer Protectionand A Shared Responsibility.’The DTI-ARMM has conducted a one-day Consumer Forum on Malnutrition Awareness in Cotabato City on Wednesday, October 5, at the region’s seat here. The forum was attended by officials and employees of ARMM line agencies, the academe and business sectors.It focused on the nutritional status of ARMM residents and the government’s intervention and programs, consumer protection, rights and responsibilities, and financial literacy.Mary Ann Morales, chief of consumer public awareness bureau of DTI-12, discussed topics about consumer protection, consumer rights and responsibilities, and Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines. Informing and involving consumers are ways to ensure consumer protection and promoting consumer welfare,” Morales said.A franchising expo that provides the participants knowledge on entrepreneurship and business development was also held here on Tuesday, October 4. The activity featured four speakers who discussed the various aspects of business and franchising opportunities in the region. It also featured talks from experts on trends in the field of franchising.Jed Arboleda, Philippine Franchise Association consultant, said the potential for the growth of franchising in the ARMM is high. Franchising is one of the best ways to increase the number of stores because you use other people’s money,” he said.DTI-ARMM has pipelined other activities this month such as Diskwento Caravan in Basilan, Consumer Education and Information in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and Provincial Monitoring of Enforcement of Fair Trade Laws. A cooking contest and installation of Timbangan ng Bayan will also take place in key towns in the region.The Consumer Welfare Month is observed annually in October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098. The event is led by National Consumer Affairs Council of the DTI, a government body established under RA 7394 to improve the management, coordination and effectiveness of the nation’s consumer programs.