CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A celebration of creativity, advocacy, and consumer empowerment culminated the Consumer Welfare Month 2025 festivities spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3.
The event held at the Event Center of Waltermart here featured the Regional Spoken Poetry Contest for students and the Search for Miss Consumer Advocate from Consumer Organizations, both highlighting how artistry and advocacy can work hand in hand to promote consumer rights and awareness. Winners of the Regional Consumer Quiz Bee, held earlier this month, which tested students’ knowledge of consumer laws, rights, and responsibilities, were also recognized during the culminating activity.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Bida ang Konsyumer sa Bagong Pilipinas!”, reaffirming DTI’s commitment to building a nation of informed, empowered, and responsible consumers who play a vital role in shaping a fair and sustainable marketplace.
Gracing the occasion was Atty. Cherryl G. Carbonell, OIC director of the DTI Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), who commended DTI-3 and its partners for their strong efforts in advancing consumer welfare and education in the region.
In the Search for Ms. Central Luzon Consumer Advocate 2025, Alma Manglicmot Fabrigas of the Zambales Consumer Affairs Council was crowned as this year’s titleholder, with Maricar Valendez Valiente of Bataan earning the 1st Runner-Up title, and Flordeliza Wycoco Calanoc of Bulacan as 2nd Runner-Up. Other candidates represented the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac.
For the Regional Consumer Quiz Bee, Veronica G. Mangahas from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology emerged as champion, followed by Yvonne Chloe Tandoc of Regional Science High School III, Zambales as 1st Runner-Up, and Ardeen P. Intendencia of Dipaculao National High School, Aurora as 2nd Runner-Up.
Meanwhile, the Spoken Poetry Contest showcased the depth of talent and passion among young Central Luzonians. Carl Justine Perea from Bagac National High School, Bataan was hailed champion, with Hanna Eunice Sanchez from San Roque National High School, Tarlac as 1st Runner-Up, and Leahlyn M. Acosta from Father John Karash Memorial High School, Aurora as 2nd Runner-Up.
Throughout October, DTI-3 and its provincial offices organized various activities to celebrate Consumer Welfare Month including seminars on consumer rights and responsibilities, discussions on the Huwarang Palengke and Standards Law, as well as other contests and educational events to deepen public understanding of consumer issues.
DTI-3 director Edna D. Dizon expressed pride in the enthusiasm of students, educators, and consumer organizations across the region.
As the 2025 Consumer Welfare Month comes to a close, DTI-3 continues to champion the protection of consumer rights, the promotion of fair trade, and the empowerment of every Filipino, staying true to the call that indeed, “Bida ang Konsyumer sa Bagong Pilipinas!” DTI-PR
