by Noel Baguio

Tagum (20 October) -- While recognizing the very important role of business in spurring economic growth, Governor Gelacio Gementiza also asked the establishments to comply with the consumer protection laws and take care of their customers, who have the power to make or unmake their businesses.

"The businesses have the responsibility to comply with consumer protection laws and to provide correct information on their goods and services and to ensure that these are safe for consumers," the governor said in his message, which was read by Executive Assistant Bobby Gementiza, during the capability-building seminar for consumer welfare desk officers held at the Capitol Building last October 19. 2006.

He also encouraged the consumers to assert their rights and privileges, saying that consumer welfare is a quality of life that can only be attained when the citizens truly understand their privileges as consumers.

The said seminar was jointly conducted by the province and the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Provincial Consumer Welfare and Protection Council, as part of the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this October. The Provincial Government is actively observing the celebration putting high premium on the need to educate consumers.

More than 60 consumer welfare desks officers coming from various business establishments in Tagum City, Panabo City and other municipalities of the province attended the capability-building course.

Ms. Nelly Esperanza, Provincial DTI chief of the Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulatory Division explained that the seminar was conducted to build the capability of CDWOs or the customer assistants in effectively and courteously handling complaints and concerns raised by their respective customers.

"It is important that establishments immediately and properly resolve consumer issues and concerns at the store level so that they will be free from hassles," she said.