AGUSAN DEL NORTE — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte is set to launch a month-long celebration of Consumer Welfare Month this October, with a lineup of activities designed to inform, engage, and empower consumers across the province. Anchored on the official theme "Safe Products, Confident Consumers," the celebration underscores the importance of ensuring that goods in both physical and digital marketplaces meet safety, quality, and reliability standards, giving consumers the confidence to make informed choices. The opening salvo, specifically the Octoberfest edition of the Diskwento Caravan & AgriBoost, is officially staged at the Butuan City Hall Lobby. While Butuan City is the regional hub of Agusan del Norte, it is a highly urbanized city independent of the province's administration. Specifying "Butuan City Hall Lobby" makes the logistics perfectly accurate.
A Month of Activities for Every Consumer
The month-long celebration offers diverse opportunities for the public to participate and benefit. The Diskwento Caravan provides consumers access to discounted basic necessities and prime commodities, helping families stretch their budgets while ensuring that essential goods remain within reach. The Fun Run and Walk, along with Zumba Dance Exercises, promote health and wellness while bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and active living. Government Service Booths will connect residents directly with agencies that can address their consumer concerns and provide assistance, while the Regional Quiz Bee tests the public's knowledge of consumer rights and responsibilities in a fun, competitive setting.
Recognizing Business Excellence Through the BAGWIS Awards
A highlight of the month will be the BAGWIS Awards, a national recognition program that honors business establishments consistently upholding consumer rights, practicing fair pricing, and complying with trade and product standards. The awards are categorized into Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with the Gold Seal granted to stores that demonstrate alignment with quality management systems. By celebrating businesses that exemplify responsible and customer-focused practices, the BAGWIS Awards encourage a marketplace built on trust, fairness, and accountability, values that ultimately benefit every consumer.
A Shared Goal for a Stronger Agusan
Consumer Welfare Month is observed every October by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1098, series of 1997, and serves as a reminder that consumer protection is a shared responsibility among government, businesses, and the public. As Agusan del Norte joins the nationwide celebration, the DTI calls on residents to take part in the activities, know their rights, and make informed choices. One month, different ways to participate, and one shared goal: empowered consumers who can confidently navigate the modern marketplace.
