by Jina Shirley G. Dacmay

LAGAWE, Ifugao (9 October) -- To promote the interest and protection of consumers to the different sectors of society and in support to the 10- point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to implement advocacy projects as the primary tool for empowering consumers.

This was disclosed by Lydia Buyawe, DTI Trade Specialist during the launching of the Consumers Month at the Provincial Capitol here, with the theme " Enforcing Consumer Rights Towards A Progressive Philippines".

Buyawe said that a progressive society is one where poverty is held to the least occurrence; where the consuming citizens can freely enjoy their right of choice in the purchase of products and services at reasonable prices and where entrepreneurs can engage in their trade with the expectation of fair returns on their investment.

She added that advocacy on consumerism cannot be a one way street where focus is made on regulation of business alone. "We must realize that in order to make goods and services available to the consumers at reasonable prices, we have to deal with the counter-flow traffic , the interest of entrepreneurs, the onslaught of trade liberalization, international events and their impact our economy, local policies and ordinances and others." she said.

Moreover, DTI recognizes the concerted and coordinated efforts of their department and other line agencies who contributed their share in areas which do not lie under their jurisdiction alone which helped advanced the management of interest of all consumers in the province.

The key to success lies in the greater and enhanced coordination between the Government agencies and the LGUs, she said.

DTI envisions that in the years to come, we have to deal with a market driven economic growth which harnesses the potential of micro, small, and medium enterprises, promotes domestic and foreign investments , and ensures consumers value for money through globally competitive exports and industries which is consistent with PGMA's Ten Point Agenda on livelihood, education, fiscal strength, decentralized development, and national harmony.

To further advance the management of the interest of consumers, DTI shall continue to strengthen consumer organizations and try to expand the network of consumer advocates by including other sectors such as the women, religious and church- based groups, public utility operators, labor federations, farmer groups, and the youth sector.