The eMagazine of Philippine Information Agency 10
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2016
DTI MisOr holds consumer information campaign in CDO
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental led the conduct of consumer information education campaign (IEC) on 28 July 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City together with front line national government agencies as well as its local counterparts in the city to encourage consumers to assert their right and also tap government agencies in case of complaints so that businesses can comply with requirements of the law.
DTI MisOr chief of consumer welfare division Almer Masillones shares that part of the function of the department is regulation that is why they conduct regular monitoring of products to check whether these are complying with standards set by the law. They look into violations of Consumer Act and Trade and Industry Laws such as in business name, gift checks/certificates, chain distribution/pyramid, mandatory product certification and credit/debit/ ATM surcharge. DTI also looks into violation of price act which involves mandatory price tag in goods, among others. In terms of online shopping, Masillones said that they are the silent competitors of retail shops. However, she warns consumers to be extra cautious of these online stores since buyers cannot touch, feel and try these products personally before purchase. In some cases, buyers are not satisfied after purchase. She said they have received complaints about online purchases in their office and have conducted mediation over these complaints. Meanwhile, Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office Edmar A. Derla warns consumers on the illegal refilling of butane canister. He says that these canisters are for one time use only and cannot be refilled. He also urges students to not use them indoors such as in their apartments or pads since they are designed for outdoor use.
He said there are already recorded fire incidents in Davao City due to use of butane canisters. Moreover, Derla shared that together with the police they have recently busted and confiscated an illegal refilling station in Bukidnon recently. Derla said only certified companies can refill even Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). He says consumers must be cautious in buying these products and inspect if they are safe to use. In terms of “bote-bote” or liquefied petroleum product sold in soda liter bottles along the road, Derla said these are illegal and risky to fire. He said that this is one of the proliferating problems they have right now and are crafting strategies to address it. In fact, he said they are scheduled with a meeting in the coming week with the local government of Cagayan de Oro to craft an ordinance on “botebote” which will then be the basis of all other ordinances in the country. Meantime, he said that residents can report to the local government unit (LGU), local police and even the Bureau of Fire Protection since these are fire hazards along the street and could cause damage if neglected. In response, Rodulfo Yana of Cagayan de Oro City Economic Enterprise Development says he is open and willing to accompany DOE to personally inspect the markets in the city to put a stop in these illegal trade such as refilled butane canisters, among others. (JMOR/PIA10)
Distribution of assistive devises highlights NDPR Week in Iligan ILIGAN CITY – Anchored to this year’s theme “ Karapatan ng May Kapansanan, Isakatuparan... Now na,! the city government of Iligan celebrated the 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR), July 14-20, 2016, with fun filled activities. In his message, City Councilor Samuel P. Huertas, chairperson on the Committee on Persons with Disability (PWD) Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Iligan, said that the local government ensures PWDs will not be left behind in the country’s journey to inclusive growth and development. Huertas acknowledged various sectors in their support to this national observance to include Jaycees International (JCI Iligan), Iligan Blind Upliftment Movement, Iligan City Central School SPED Center, the Life Project 4 Youth-Hear Us Foundation, civil society organizations, and the local government through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD). Activities aligned to the weeklong celebration were on sports and talent presentation at the city plaza. There were 70 games executed by the visually and hearing impaired, orthopedics, and deaf. Some PWDs also performed their talents on singing and poetry. On its third year, JCI Iligan, the proponent of the bowling tournament,
is being played by PWDs (ortho, deaf, hearing and visually impaired) versus members of JCI Iligan. PWDs also availed medical mission conducted by the City Health Office. Meanwhile, Social Welfare Officer Leonida Lluisma, PWD specialist, CSWD Iligan, said highlighting the week’s celebration was a Holy Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral and a program at the Rizal Freedom Park. Assistive devices were distributed to PWDs with 24 wheel chairs, five crutches, three single cane, and three folding cane for the blinds. There are still more wheel chairs to be distributed yet after they have accounted the number of ortho recipients registered, said Lluisma. Further, Lluisma disclosed that around 1,687 are registered on their list, and their office is still accepting for those who want to be member of the PWD federation. As to job placement for the PWDs in Iligan, food chain like Jollibee accepted hearing impaired persons, the city government has employed
also persons with ortho deficiency. Some availed financial assistance through Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Project of the government through the Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG). They were able to put up tailoring, photo-copier outlet, and massage parlor. (LVG/ PIA-10 LDN)
After care forum set MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – Starkey Hearing Foundation is set to hold after care session with some 49 hearing aid beneficiaries in Camiguin on 9-12 August 2016.
It aims to re-orient the users on proper way of caring for their hearing aids as well as check the condition and initiate adjustments or repair if necessary. Provincial PWD coordinator Marydel Credo said the hearing aids, amounting to about P15,000 each,
were given by Starkey Foundation late last year. She said the beneficiaries were identified from their masterlist and prioritized based on the urgency of their need and involvement to the PWD program. (JCV/PIA-10)