THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Misamis Oriental has started to accredit consumer groups in the city that would provide information to consumers on their right and where to lodge certain complaints or issues.
Ms. Almer Masillones, chief of DTI-Misamis Oriental consumer welfare division, said so far, one consumer group has already been accredited, the Konsumanteng Kagay-anon Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 20, 2009.
Among the group's registered founders are community development specialiast Ben Errol D. Aspera, columnist Abraham Llera, ex-banker turned entrepreneur Cesar Lapid, green advocate Ronnie Ravanera and freelance journalist Mike Baños.
Masillones said the DTI has helped the group in seeking permit from the SEC and would now serve as the group's secretariat while it is still in its infancy.
"It is good that the DTI now has a partner in advocating for consumer rights and welfare where consumers can also tap in case they have concerns," Masillones said.
Since January 13, the DTI has conducted accreditation seminars for the members of Konsumanteng Kagay-anon, which is now in the process of forming a core of citywide organization that would address specific consumer concerns such as electricity, water, consumer goods, education and cellphone loads for prepaid mobile phones.
On January 20 at 2:00 p.m., Masillones said the DTI has scheduled another series of accreditation seminar for the newly-formed consumer rights protection and advocacy group.
Those who wish to join the seminar may visit the DTI Misamis Oriental provincial office at the 3rd Floor of 52nd Business Center, Gaerlan-Velez streets or call (08822) 712473. (Terry D.C. Betonio)