ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will commence the Consumer Welfare Month with the conduct of the 2nd Consumer Run on Sunday, October 1, which will be simultaneously held nationwide.
The consumer run held last year in Region 9 was the first of its kind and was adopted by the DTI central office to be conducted in all regions this year.
Dr. Sitti Amina Jain, DTI regional director, on Friday stressed the importance of conducting the consumer run to empower the consumers.
“The Consumer Run is really intended to empower our consumers by informing them of their basic rights and responsibilities. If we, as consumers, know our basic rights and responsibilities, then we will be assured of the best services and products that we avail or buy with our hard-earned money,” Jain said.
“We can also negate the schemes of some businessmen who are engaged in unscrupulous business practices,” Jain added.
She said the activity is also aimed to promote health and wellness among the consumers. The participants of the event will become force multiplier in informing others of their rights and responsibilities.
“It’s good to learn while having fun. This is what the consumer run is all about, learning and being empowered as consumers while we are having fun,” she pointed out.
The Consumer Run will have two categories: the eight-kilometer run and the five-kilometer run.
The eight-kilometer run represents the eight basic consumer rights which included the following: Right to Basic Needs; Right to Safety; Right to Information; Right to Choose; Right to Representation; Right to Redress; Right to Consumer Education: and, Right to Healthy Environment.
The five-kilometer run represents the consumer responsibilities which are as follows: Critical Awareness; Action; Social Concern; Environmental Awareness; and, Solidarity.
Here in Region 9, Jain said the 2nd Consumer Run will be held in this city; Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; and, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
She said it will be held in partnership with the United Zamboanga Consumers Association, Incorporated (UZCAI).
The activity’s proceeds will be turned over to UZCAI that will be used for strengthening of consumer groups and implementation of consumer-related activities and projects here in Region 9. (PNA)
