- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay Provincial Office successfully conducted a Consumer Talks Forum on October 24, 2025, held at the 3rd Floor, Old Cinema, Pacific Mall, Legazpi City, Albay. The event was part of the province’s observance of the Consumer Welfare Month Celebration, which highlights the importance of consumer protection and empowerment. The activity gathered senior citizens representing various consumer groups across the province, providing them with a platform to learn about their rights, responsibilities, and available support mechanisms from different government agencies.
- The forum brought together several partner agencies, each presenting their respective programs, services, and consumer complaints mechanisms. Among the agencies invited were the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), and the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG). These agencies shared informative discussions covering topics such as financial literacy, telecommunications concerns, environmental compliance, consumer safety, and cybercrime prevention. The presentations aimed to raise awareness among senior consumers on how to protect themselves from scams, fraud, and unfair trade practices.
This whole-day event underscored the DTI’s continuous commitment to promoting consumer welfare and education, especially among vulnerable sectors like the elderly. Through interactive discussions and open forums, participants were encouraged to voice their concerns and experiences, fostering collaboration between the public and government institutions. The activity not only strengthened inter-agency cooperation but also emphasized the importance of informed and empowered consumers in achieving fair and sustainable market practices. Overall, the forum served as a meaningful celebration of Consumer Welfare Month by reinforcing consumer rights and advocating responsible citizenship in Albay.
