DAVAO CITY-The regional offices here of national government agencies bonded together for a consumer protection alliance to improve government response to issues raised by consumers.
The alliance called DAVAO ConNeCT was Initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ‘to strengthen consumer protection, improve market monitoring, and ensure a more coordinated response to issues affecting consumers.’
The commitment was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Davao Alliance for Vigilance, Advocacy, and Organized Consumer Network towards Consumer Trust (DAVAO ConNeCT) during its third quarter meeting late last week, timed with the celebration of Consumer Welfare Month.
The MOA brings together the regional offices here of Department of Agriculture, National Meat Inspection Service, Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Department of Education, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and Philippine Information Agency.
DAVAO ConNeCT Chairman, and DTI Regional Director, Romeo L. Castañaga, said the alliance will enable agencies to respond more proactively to consumer concerns while promoting transparency and responsive public service.
It also provides a common platform for government agencies and consumer organizations to share information, address emerging concerns, and strengthen consumer empowerment across the region.
‘DAVAO ConNeCT aims to leverage inter-agency synergy to address emerging consumer issues proactively, foster transparent markets, and ensure responsive public service delivery throughout the region,’ Castañaga said.
He said the alliance will give consumers a voice in government decision-making. ‘It amplifies consumer voices because we have various consumer organizations who can contribute to policy-making and program development in the government,’ he said.
During its quarterly meeting, members discussed updates on fuel prices and supply, agricultural commodity prices and supply, and the prices and availability of basic necessities and prime commodities.
Castañaga said the alliance will expect more national government agencies to join DAVAO ConNeCT as it expands its efforts ‘to build a more informed, vigilant, and protected consumer community across the Davao Region.’