Through its DTI 11 Consumer Protection Division (CPD) the webinars organized by the DTI-Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) since the current situation is crucial as the world adopts the digital mode of business transactions.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Fair Digital Finance” which is in line with the global consumer advocacy movement that calls for fair practices related to financial services.
In a statement released on Monday, DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the movement will generate new consumer-centered insights and campaign for digital finance that is inclusive, safe, data protected and private, and sustainable.
Digital finance is the term used to describe the impact of new technologies on the financial services industry, especially this time of the pandemic. It includes a variety of online platforms that have transformed the traditional way of financial services into online or cashless transactions. However, this year’s celebration does not only focus on digitalization but also includes a consumer education campaign on topics related to the management and prevention of the spread of COVID-19, and laws on product standards (PS).
The local trade chief said these are important for the consumers to become wise and well-informed on the safest way of living in the new normal.
“As we take part in this movement, our consumer protection divisions in the regional and provincial offices have lined up several activities in celebration of the World Consumer Rights Day. We want to take this opportunity to step up our campaign to protect the consumers further, especially now that almost everything is done online or virtually,” she said.
The division also organized another one on fair trade digital finance to be held on March 16. In the meantime, the provincial offices will have their respective PS Orientation Caravan, to wit: March 4 in Davao del Sur; March 10 in Davao Occidental; March 22 in Davao Oriental; and March 25 in Davao de Oro.
Ambi said that technology has been a major contributor in helping countries continue with economic activities amid the limitations brought by the pandemic. Nevertheless, consumer protection must be considered at all times.
“As various digital platforms sustain their growth, there are concerns, too, that some consumers have relayed. There are those who feel that their personal information could be at risk if they transact online. Hence, we need to implement measures to increase their confidence,” She said.
Ambi said the government must help enhance the consumers literacy on the information and communication technology, provide updates on the COVID-19 health protocals, and laws on product standards.
"We need to intensify our consumer advocacy initiatives to increase consumer awareness for their safety and protection,” she said.
The WCRD is coordinated by Consumers International and is celebrated every March 15 of the year to reinforce consumer awareness of their rights and responsibilities. This is to continuously empower and protect them against price manipulation and other malpractices in the purchase of goods and services, especially this time of digitalized transactions.
From DTI 11
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