DTI AgNor records 20% reduction in consumer complaints in the first semester of 2022
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte noted a 20% reduction of consumer complaints resolved through mediation for the first semester of 2022.
There were eight mediated consumer complaints from January to June as against 10 consumer complaints processed for the same period last year. These complaints were mediated within the prescribed timeline of 10 days from receipt of the complaint, achieving 100% complaints resolution rate. Violations involved were mostly in the Breach of Warranty followed by deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts or practices. Aside from consumer complaints resolved through mediation, 33 other consumer complaints and concerns were addressed through facilitation and referrals.
The continuous campaign of DTI to set up more Consumer Welfare Desks in stores has contributed to its reduction. Some complaints no longer reached DTI for assistance but were resolved by Consumer Welfare Desk Officers at the store level.
A slight reduction of 0.86% was observed for consumer complaints received by Consumer Welfare Desk in select business establishments. Consumer Welfare Desk Officers handled a total of 2,862 consumer complaints in the first semester of this year compared to the 2,887 consumer complaints received for the same period last year. The top violation for the complaint involve breach of warranty.
As part of broadening the consumer welfare and awareness, DTI continuously capacitates business establishments to become more consumer-friendly and compliant to consumer protection laws. Towards this pursuit, DTI includes setting up of Consumer Welfare Desk in selected retail stores with products and services are under DTI’s jurisdiction.
In addition, engagement with the Bagwis Award Program, participation to relevant training programs, and provision of consumerism information and updates to Consumer Welfare Desk Officers and Bagwis Awardees through digital channels are among the initiatives and the subject of the advocacy campaigns of the agency. (DTI Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)
