City of San Fernando, Pampanga – The Department of Trade and Industry Region III (DTI-3) concluded the celebration of the 2024 Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) with a culminating activity last October 22, 2024 at the Waltermart Mall, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Consumer Welfare Month is observed every October through Proclamation No. 1098 of 1997 by former President Fidel V. Ramos. In celebration, various activities were conducted for this year including consumer welfare seminars, fun runs, zumba, quiz bees, E-poster making, spoken poetry and the first search for Ms. Consumer Advocate 2024. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Be Smart, Assert Your Consumer Rights!“
Among the attendees of the culminating activity are the different consumer groups from the provinces, student contestants, teachers, parents and DTI-3 associates.
DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Edna D. Dizon graced the culminating activity. In her message she called upon the public to be vigilant, informed and involved in advocating consumer rights.
“As consumers, we must practice responsible consumption and demand accountability from service providers and businesses. We must advocate for sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health of our communities and environment.”
One of the highlights of the event include the Spoken Poetry contest for high school students. Ms. Phoebe M. Reyes of San Guillermo National High School in San Marcelino, Zambales topped other student-participants in the competition. Bagging the second place is Kayezha Dennise Marollano of Meycauayan National High School while Marco Ariz De Jesus of San Carlos San Luis National High School placed third. Other participants are Dan Drexler Ber R. Eugenio of Aurora National High School, Clarence Charles V. Dabu of Luakan National High School, Airish Bayro of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and Eriene Aleer Cloe S. Tolentino of Benigno S. Aquino National High School.
Another key highlight was the inaugural search for Ms. Consumer Advocate, featuring contestants over 60 years old from Consumer Organizations. They impressed with a production number, talent showcase, and a parade of local costumes made from recycled or upcycled materials, embodying creativity and sustainability.
Ms. Lisa E. Tan from the Tarlac Consumer Council bested other candidates and was crowned as the first Ms. Consumer Advocate of Central Luzon. Ms. Divina Celis Aguilar of Consumer Affairs Council of Castillejos came in second place while Ms. Aurelia Tagalag of Cabanatuan Consumer Affairs Council bagged the third place. Other candidates are Ms. Marites Querijero of Baler Consumer Organization, Annalyn N. Raya of Orani May Pag-asa Consumer Org., Irenne Joy V. Dela Cruz of Bulacan Consumer Affairs Council and Aurora Cunanan-Fowler of Pampanga Consumer Federation, Inc.
The winners of the Regional Consumer Quiz Bee were also acknowledged during the program. Jhian Serna of Regional Science High School III in Olongapo City won first place. Mizzy Kyla Linsangan of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology Laboratory High School came in second while Almario Mabuti of Capas National High School placed third.
DTI-3 extends its gratitude to all those who supported the CWM activities and aspires that through the variety of its programs, the consuming public may be empowered.
