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)