MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry-Misamis Oriental (DTI-MisOr) strengthened its ties with the media to bolster its consumer education program in Cagayan de Oro City through its Fair-Trade Laws Briefing, December 13.

Mandated with protecting the consumer's general welfare and legal rights, DTI-MisOr further seeks to foster partnerships in disseminating information about Fair Trade Laws to the general public including those in far-flung areas.

“We recognize the vital role of media as our partner in the implementation of our mandate for consumer protection and the general welfare of our consumers,” DTI-Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Almer Masillones said.

The media briefing discussed various laws that protect the consumer against illegal acts of sellers or establishments and possible actions to be undertaken by the agency against such violators.

Masillones said that despite their efforts to educate consumers on fair trade laws, there are still areas they cannot reach, thus news through various media outlets is necessary to capacitate consumers against any fraudulent transactions.

Further, the agency explained that not all price monitoring for the prices in the market is under their jurisdiction and that only those classified as necessities and prime commodities items or products are under their watch.

For commodities not under DTI’s jurisdiction, respective National Government Agencies will monitor the market such as agricultural produce and livestock under the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health for essential drugs, Department of Environment and Natural Resources items for as plywood, charcoal, and firewood, and Department of Energy for LPG and kerosene.

With such information given to the valued media partners, the agency hopes that more consumers even in far-flung areas will be more aware of their rights and be protected. (JAKA/PIA10)