DTI Caraga highlights consumer responsibilities at Kapihan sa PIA
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Attorney Ranah May G. Galon-Odvina of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga discussed the five responsibilities of consumers under Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, during the Kapihan sa PIA held at SM City Butuan on October 28.
During the discussion, Odvina emphasized that consumers must not only know their rights but also fulfill their responsibilities to make informed decisions, protect their interests, and contribute to a fair and sustainable marketplace.
“The Consumer Act of the Philippines provides for rights and responsibilities. As for consumer responsibilities, the first is to be critically aware. We should pay close attention to details and have a certain level of alertness to know the price, use, and quality of a product or service, because this is not limited to products but also includes services,” he said.
She highlighted the importance of carefully examining product information, prices, quality, and other relevant details before making purchasing decisions to avoid being misled and to ensure value for money.
The second responsibility is to take action. Odvina explained that consumers must exercise and defend their rights, particularly when these are violated or challenged.
“If we are going to sleep on these rights, it will certainly work to our disadvantage. We have this responsibility to take action on our rights, especially if our rights are challenged at some point,” she added.
The third responsibility is environmental concern. She highlighted that protecting the environment is a shared obligation of consumers, government agencies, and the private sector.
“We have the right to a healthy environment. But who is responsible for maintaining it? It is us. Therefore, we also have a reciprocal responsibility to be environmentally concerned,” she said, encouraging consumers to support green practices and make responsible choices that help minimize environmental harm.
The fourth responsibility is social concern, which calls on consumers to consider how their purchasing habits and consumption patterns affect other people.
Odvina recalled experiences during COVID-19 pandemic, when excessive purchasing and stockpiling of essential goods affected the availability of supplies for other consumers.
As such, she urged the public to practice responsible consumption and remain mindful of the needs and welfare of others when purchasing goods and services.
Lastly, she emphasized solidarity, encouraging consumers to participate in consumer organizations and collective initiatives that strengthen their voices in advocating for their rights and interests.
“There are consumer organizations whose main purpose is to organize consumers to make us stronger in numbers and enable us to influence policymaking,” she told the media at Kapihan.
Through these five responsibilities, DTI Caraga underscored the importance of informed, responsible, and environmentally conscious consumers who actively protect their rights while respecting the rights and welfare of others.
Hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, the Kapihan sa PIA serves as a platform for government agencies and other stakeholders to discuss programs, policies, and services that help inform the public and promote consumer awareness. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
