BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - In this time that online shopping and transactions are trending, the Department of Trade and Industry and member agencies of the regional Consumer Network (Consumernet) encourage the public to be responsible consumers and be advocates of sustainable consumerism.
In the October 4 Kapihan forum launching the 2023 Consumer Welfare Month, DTI Cordillera Regional Director Juliet Lucas explained that this year’s theme, “GenS: Generational Sustainable” is in line with the UN Sustainable Goal No. 12 which is Sustainable Consumption and Production and primarily promotes responsible and sustainable consumerism in this digital age.
“We should all be GEN S. Sustainable Consumption na ngayon because at this point in time, we have what we call consumer behavior where most of the things we need are made available physically and online,” Lucas said.
This celebration, she said, aims to heighten awareness and consciousness of everybody on responsible and righteous consumption.
With the shift in consumer behavior, we should also be aware of our responsibility to buy only what we need or can consume, in properly disposing packaging waste and to protect ourselves from online fraud or scam, Lucas explained.
The number one concern is about packaging waste
“Every time your parcel arrives, may layers of packages yan. We are enthusiastic about buying, parcels and parcels coming in and we are accumulating a lot. Things that we cannot dispose or consume,” she noted.
Lucas also shared that three out of four complaints that DTI receives these days are about online transactions.
“With the onset of online transactions and buying of consumers, three out of four complaints that DTI receives these days are because of online transactions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Regional Anti – Cybercrime Unit PCol. Ma. Theresa Pucay reminded the public to be responsible consumers and always be cautious when transacting online as cybercrimes are increasing.
In 2022, the PNP RACU recorded 112 cybercrime cases with 24 online selling cases, while from January to September of this year, there are already recorded 101 cyber cases including 11 involving online selling.
Other panelists during the Kapihan media forum were officials from the regional offices of the Securities and Exchange Commission, National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Department of Transportation who also shared their consumer awareness and protection programs and advocacies. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
