DTI AGNOR DISTRIBUTES LIVELIHOOD KITS TO TYPHOON-AFFECTED MSMES

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Agusan del Norte – Negosyo Center Cabadbaran City, through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, conducted its first run of distribution of PPG livelihood kits amounting to PhP248,000 to 31 beneficiaries at Barangay Bayabas, Cabadbaran City on Friday, February 24.

In order to help individuals, families, or MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) affected by natural calamities and man-made incidents recover and thrive after the disaster, the PPG program aims to restart their economic operations by providing them with the necessary resources. Owners of sari-sari stores, piggery, kakanin, bamboo furniture, bigasan, kandingan, and itikan business affected by Typhoon Odette were among the recipients of the livelihood kits worth PhP8,000 each. The local government unit of Cabadbaran City, through its Community Affairs and Investment Promotion Office, also assisted in the distribution of livelihood kits.

Beneficiaries also signed the Pledge of Commitment forms, witnessed by DTICaraga assistant regional director Brenda Corvera, DTI Agusan del Norte SDD chief Trade and Industry Specialist Stephen Kintanar, LGU Cabadbaran City Community Affairs and Investment Promotion officer Erwin Mora, Brgy. Bayabas barangay chairperson Jovert Sardeña, and staff from Negosyo CenterCabadbaran.

During the activity, information materials on DTI programs and services were distributed to the beneficiaries. (NC Cabadbaran City/DTIAgusan del Norte/PIAAgusan del Norte)

Customer complaints on online transactions increases by 212% in 2021: DTI-ADN

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, online shopping has significantly thrived, with more consumers shifting to buying online. Purchasing goods online, however, comes with many risks with frauds and scams, misleading or deceptive product advertisements, and difficulty in returns and replacements are among others experienced by many consumers. of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Agusan del Norte recorded 25 consumer complaints. Most of the complaints were breach of warranty and deceptive and unconscionable sales act. Five of the complaints filed were against an online platform or online seller. Complaint resolution was at 100%, with complaints acting at the mediation level within the prescribed timeline. Ten complaints were accommodated via Zoom.

The complaints catered significantly increased by 212% compared to 2020. The majority of the complaints filed in 2021 were online transactions/ dealings.

Aside from mediated complaints, the office was also able to assist 132 consumers on their issues, queries, and other consumer concerns.

As part of broadening consumer welfare, DTI commits to continuously capacitate business establishments to become more consumer-friendly and comply with fair trade laws or consumer protection laws. DTI strongly campaigns for establishments to set up their respective consumer welfare desk along with a trained staff manning such facility. (DTI-Agusan del Norte/ PIA-Agusan del Norte)