SOME 66 information officers from various government agencies joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to boost consumer awareness and intellectual property (IP) education in Eastern Visayas.
“DTI’s two-pronged mandate is in enabling business and empowering consumers. While we assist businesses to thrive economically, we also ensure that rights of our consumers are upheld and duly recognized by these businesses,” said DTI-Eastern Visayas Regional Director Celerina Bato during the inter-agency orientation on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tacloban City.
Reyan Arinto, regional head of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), lauded DTI “for leading this important initiative” while thanking the participating government agencies “for their commitment to public service and shared learning.”
“When citizens are well-informed, we empower them to make better decisions; and when we support and protect local ideas, products, and talent, we strengthen our economy and culture,” said Arinto.
The event was also supported by the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of DTI.
Topics on Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Price Act of the Philippines, and the Internet Transaction Act were discussed by CPD Chief Eleanor Etulle and Legal Officer Atty. Justine Ynnes Oballo, while IP Rights was tackled by Specialist Romeo Jason Padulla.
“By fostering partnerships with other government agencies, particularly their respective information officers through the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO-8), the DTI can boost the dissemination of information on consumer rights, responsibilities, and related laws,” said Anthea Aivi IAncheta, DTI regional information officer. (Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)