A recent Pulse Asia survey showed that consumers in the country and the region were more aware of laws protecting their rights as buyers. The recent survey held from September 14-20, 2020 showed that Central Luzon consumers had a higher awareness level of the presence of consumer related laws with 81% expressing awareness as compared to 72% in a survey held in December 2019. For the whole country, 80% of those surveyed this year said they were aware of consumer laws protecting their rights. Consumers from Metro Manila showed slightly less consumer awareness at 78%.
The survey also showed that more Filipino consumers now agree on the statement that they “can generally buy productsand services that are safe and are of quality.” In the September 2020 survey, the results showed that 96% of consumers from Region 3 are confident that they can buy products and servicesthat are safe and of quality, with 48% strongly agreeing and 47% somewhat agreeing. This level of consumer confidence in Central Luzon is significantly higher than those surveyed in Metro Manila and in the whole country in general. In the National Capital Region, 86% of consumers agreed that consumers can generally buy products and services that are safe and of quality, with 44% strongly agreeing and 42% somewhat agreeing. For the national average, 86% of Filipinos agree that they can buy products and services that are safe and of quality, with 39% strongly agreeing and 47% somewhat agreeing. Consumers from Mimaropa posted the highest consumer confidence level of 100% while consumers from Eastern Visayas posted the lowest consumer confidence level of 71%.
DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles said that the high consumer awareness level in the region is partly supported by the continuous consumer information and education program they are implementing. She added that DTI regional and provincial offices continue to hold online learning sessions to help disseminate information and updates on consumer laws and regulations. She also said that the Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau of DTI holds regular webinars through online platforms to help educate consumers, especially this October, which is Consumer Welfare Month.
