DTI Agusan Norte briefs students on consumers’ rights

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Norte briefed some 150 Senior High School (SHS) students of Doña Rosario National High School (DRNHS) on the protection and promotion of consumers’ rights through the consumer education seminar here.

Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Wyn A. Palma shared and discussed the eight rights of a consumer to include: the right to basic needs; right to safety; right to information; right to choose; right to representation; right to redress; right to consumer education; and the right to a healthy environment.

Palma also encouraged students to look for quality instead of quantity and not to engage in panic buying.

He reminded them to look closely at the product labels for they contain information on the ingredients, the “best consumed before” and expiration dates, and the name and address of the manufacturer when purchasing a product.

Participants were also informed on the proper process of lodging a complaint, where to bring and how to look for a consumer welfare desk.

He also encouraged the participants to do their share in caring for our environment by practicing the 3Rs of environmental protection – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

On one hand, Shellah A. Robles of DTI-Agusan del Norte tackled the so-called five “Consumer Responsibilities.”

She enumerated and discussed the responsibilities of each consumer to the group namely: critical awareness; action; social concern; environmental awareness; and solidarity.

Robles also advised them to act and not remain passive so as not to be exploited.

The event was conducted under the DTI-Agusan del Norte’s Appending Local Consumer Advocacy in Negosyo Centers in Agusan del Norte or ALCANCIA series, in collaboration with the local government unit of Tubay, with the support of the Negosyo Center (NC) Tubay and the officials, teachers and students of the DRNHS through their School Head Teacher Merle S. Pacatang. (pia caraga)