Making informed purchasing decisions is an important part of protecting household budgets, personal information, and financial security. In Negros Oriental, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is bringing consumer protection education closer to local communities through initiatives that help residents understand their rights and recognize potential risks.
On October 13, 2026, the DTI Negros Oriental Provincial Office conducted the Konsyumer Assembly sa Barangay (KASB) in Bais City as part of Consumer Welfare Month 2026. The activity gathered barangay-level Development Information Officers (BDIOs) to strengthen their knowledge of product safety, consumer rights, investment scams, and cybercrime prevention.
Helping Consumers Understand Their Rights
Anchored on the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” the assembly focused on giving barangay information officers practical knowledge they could share with residents.
DTI-Consumer Protection Division OIC Chief Krystle Jade Bato discussed consumer rights and responsibilities, safety standards for everyday products, and the appropriate agencies to approach when consumer concerns arise.
Understanding these rights can help shoppers make better purchasing decisions, recognize potentially unsafe products, and know where to seek assistance when goods or services fail to meet applicable standards. By equipping community information officers with reliable information, DTI aims to extend consumer awareness beyond government offices and into the barangays where residents make everyday purchasing decisions.
Raising Awareness About Investment Scams and Cybercrime
Consumer protection also extends to financial decisions and online activities. During the assembly, representatives from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) discussed ways to recognize and avoid common risks.
SEC representative Atty. Leo F. Salvador discussed investment scams, emphasizing the importance of checking the legitimacy of businesses and investment opportunities before entrusting them with money. Suspicious offers and unauthorized investment solicitations can put consumers at risk of financial loss.
Police Captain Gaudioso Morte of the PNP discussed cybercrime prevention and applicable laws, highlighting the need for vigilance in digital transactions and responsible online behavior. These discussions reinforced several practical reminders for consumers: verify investment offers before committing money, be cautious of promises that appear too good to be true, protect personal and financial information, and avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive details with unverified contacts.
Bringing Consumer Protection Closer to Communities
Bais City Information Officer Andy Guevarra also participated in the assembly, highlighting the role of local information officers in sharing essential public information with residents.
DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Juliet B. Banogon delivered the keynote message, emphasizing the importance of extending consumer protection initiatives to every barangay through the participation of local information officers. The KASB initiative reflects cooperation among government agencies and local government units in promoting informed, vigilant communities. By strengthening access to accurate information, DTI aims to help residents identify unfair trade practices, unsafe products, fraudulent investment schemes, and online threats.
Through Consumer Welfare Month 2026, DTI Negros Oriental continues to highlight the value of consumer education and shared responsibility. With a better understanding of their rights and the risks they may encounter, consumers can make more informed choices and take appropriate steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
