CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Safe product, informed purchase, consumer rights awareness towards a fairer, more trustworthy marketplace took center stage as with the culmination of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3’s celebration of its Consumer Welfare Month held on Oct. 27, 2026, at the Event Center of SM City Pampanga.
Themed “Safe Products, Confident Consumers”, the celebration served as an affirmation of the shared commitment of consumer advocates, students, partner organizations, and stakeholders to consumer protection and product safety.
“That is why consumer awareness matters. A confident consumer is an informed consumer, someone who knows their rights, understands their responsibilities, and knows how to recognize safe and quality products,” noted DTI Region 3 director Edna D. Dizon of the importance of consumer awareness in protecting the public and building confidence in the marketplace.
Engr. Jay Illescas of the Bureau of Philippine Standards, the event’s keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of product standards in ensuring that goods available in the market meet established requirements for safety and quality. His message reinforced the important role of standards in protecting consumers and helping them make informed purchasing decisions.
The celebration also recognized people and organizations working to make consumer protection a shared responsibility.
The Bulacan Consumer Affairs Council (BCAC), represented by its president, Jose Sosa, was recognized for having attained in 2025 the distinction of being a National Consumer Organization. The recognition highlighted the importance of organized consumer advocacy in promoting consumer welfare and strengthening public awareness of consumer rights.
Young people were likewise provided a platform to demonstrate how creativity can help educate and influence their communities. Through the Audio-Visual Competition on Consumer Awareness and Advocacy, high school students from across Central Luzon transformed consumer protection messages into engaging visual stories.
Taking the top spot was Tarlac Montessori School, Inc., represented by Joshua Y. Libed, Noryana Eliya B. Florentino, Katherine C. Alcantara, Hannah Nicole R. Garcia, and Fatima D. Manguera.
The Search for the 2026 Central Luzon Consumer Advocate celebrated individuals who champion consumer awareness and protection in their respective communities.
Maricar V. Valiente of Bataan emerged as Ms. Central Luzon Consumer Advocate 2026, also earning the Darling of the Crowd and Best in Eco Fashion Design awards. Rowena T. Arconado of Zambales was named first runner-up, while Geraldine G. David of Tarlac secured second runner-up and received the Best in Consumer Insight & Wisdom award.
From recognizing consumer organizations to engaging students and celebrating individual advocates, the activity underscored a fundamental message that consumer protection does not rest on government alone. It requires informed consumers who understand their rights, businesses that uphold product safety and quality, and partners who actively promote responsible marketplace practices. DTI-3/Punto News Team