CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 convened several regional line agencies, March 17, to discuss the revival of the Consumer Network (ConsumerNet), a network of government agencies tasked to implement consumer-related laws and perform consumer protection functions.
Lawyer Fel Lester Brillantes, chief of DTI-10's Consumer Protection Division, said the consumer network briefing was conducted to revitalize the networking and collaboration among the said government agencies and establish communication channels for systematic action on consumer issues and complaints.
He recalled that the creation of ConsumerNet was first introduced in the country last November 1996 through a memorandum of agreement signed by its member agencies. At that time, the network aims to promote awareness of the government agencies tasked to protect consumers and help facilitate the speedy resolution of consumer complaints.
DTI-10 Assistant Regional Director Ruel Paclipan underscored the importance of reactivating the Consumer Network in Northern Mindanao to help address issues and concerns related to consumerism.
"As government agencies with programs concerning consumer protection, we will have to work with one another, especially in the sharing of information," he said
The newly-revived ConsumerNet agreed to have regular quarterly meetings to discuss consumer-related issues and concerns and special meetings for those issues needing immediate response.
A Viber group was also created to further strengthen the collaboration among its members.
The briefing was attended by focal persons from the National Food Authority, National Meat Inspection Service, Food and Drugs Administration, National Telecommunications Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, and Philippine Information Agency. (APB/PIA-10)
