Narag, M. S. G. (2014). Filipino consumers on patrol (Responsible Consumerism Movement) (Unpublished master's thesis). Public Management Development Program, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Public Management Development Program Middle Managers Class Batch 4 Thesis (MMC)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

Consonant with the President's Social Contract with the Filipino people under Executive Order 43, the Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for realizing the country's goal of globally competitive and innovative industry and services sector that contribute to inclusive growth and employment generation. It endeavors to improve the business environment, increase productivity and enhance consumer welfare. Its mission is to enable business and empower consumers. Further, it keeps with the Department Head's tall order to keep DTI's presence felt in the different communities it serves, while working in harmony with the various stakeholders. Republic Act 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, declares that it is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. At present, we can see that majority of our consumers are not really aware of their rights and responsibilities making them unable to assess the impact of their consumption, incapable to get the value of their money, unprotected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health and life, not able to choose products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality and not able to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being. Results of the survey conducted by the Department's Bureau of Trade Regulation and Protection Services indicate a low level of awareness of consumerism among Filipinos as nationwide rating is 30% and Region 02 is 36% (National Consumer Awareness Survey, 2012). To address these concerns, the Department of Trade and Industry - Region 02 conceptualized a project known as "Filipino Consumer on Patrol (C.O.P), A Responsible Consumerism Movement. This project seeks to instill the spirit of responsible consumerism among the different sectors of the society- group of school children, high school and college students, professionals, adults and elderlies to champion their cause as consumers and protecting their rights. Every C.O.P member is expected to inculcate the values of proactive involvement, conscientious vigilance, ethical responsibility, volunteerism and community spirit. This project was launched and piloted in two major High Schools in the City, the Cagayan National High School (CNHS) and the St. Louis University of Tuguegarao (USLT), a public and a private school, respectively. It was accepted and embraced by the two institutions and resulted to the Conduct of Training on Consumerism among the students, the Organization of the students as Filipino Consumers on Patrol, Formulation of FILCOP Movement Action Plans and Plan for Monitoring Achievement of COP, Signing of the Memoranda of Agreement and Development of Consumer Education Modules. DTI-R02 is continually formulating and carrying out actions to generate support and establish partnerships for enhancement and sustainability of the project. Overall, this project enables the consumers to be more empowered and more vigilant as they will be given greater voice in their respective communities. It is an innovation to the usual way of addressing consumer concerns because it aims to benefit the different sectors of the society unlike before that the same consumers are being served and assisted. It will have a very visible impact on the consumers as they are the champions of their own welfare. Their involvement and active participation in discharging their responsibilities and exercising their rights would be pervasive and the Filipino Consumers on Patrol Movement would grow as a potent stimulus towards a more responsible consumerism. As the saying goes "A well-informed and vigilant consumer is the best protected consumer." The DTI on its part will strictly adhere to its mantra of "Do Good. Be Felt and Make a Difference".