Kalampusan March 2014

KALAMPUSAN

DTI Central Visayas Performance Magazine

March 2014

March brought in added vigour as DTI implemented more projects that boost business and empower consumers.
Launched during the month were four Shared Service Facilities in Negros Oriental. A regional CARP (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) conference was organized in Dumaguete City to build and strengthen the DTI team. Representatives of various sectors in Cebu also gathered to listen on the Philippines Game Plan for Competitiveness and the results of the Social Weather Stations 2013 Annual Enterprise Survey on Corruption. With governments ongoing rebuilding efforts after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas, the DTI has intensified its monitoring and enforcement activities among hardware stores and shops. To increase trust of prospective buyers, compliant shops were encouraged to join the 2014 DTI Seal of Excellence or Bagwis Awards.

INSIDE:

Turn-over of SSFs in
Negros Oriental

Eight Basic
Consumer Rights

2014 Search for

Nominees to the DTI Bagwis Seal of Excellence

NCC Roadshow
2014

DTI intensifies
monitoring and enforcement

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PBFI uses SSF turned over by DTI in rebuilding structures in calamity affected areas

Earthquake and storm-proof hybrid bamboo structures may soon replace houses and edifices ravaged by the earthquake and typhoon in calamity affected areas in Bohol, Cebu, Leyte and Samar. In 2014, the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI) will collaborate with government and international organizations to cater to the present need of producing alternative green structures for the calamity stricken areas in Bohol, Cebu, Leyte & Samar provinces.
DTI RD Asteria Caberte and PD Javier Fortunato Jr. signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI) representatives Operations Manager Herbet Patrick Teodoro and Treasurer Prudencio Teodoro. Jr

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry Negros Oriental Provincial Office turned over a Shared Service Facility to the Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI) for use in its various projects last March 3 in Dauin, Negros Oriental. Beneficiaries of the project include not just workers of the PBFI, but also other primary & secondary bamboo processors in the bamboo industry of Negros Oriental. With the common service facility, workers in the bamboo industry can now access equipment and mechanized tools to increase their production capacity, efficiency and serve new markets through more products and services. The Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. (PBFI) is an NGO that hosts the biggest bamboo nursery for the entire Visayas & Mindanao with at least 40 bamboo species grown in the nursery site in Dauin, Negros Oriental. A Shared Service Facility (SSF) is a strategic complementary project that intends to balance off existing programs such as National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP) to achieve inclusive growth as envisioned by the current administration. The engineered bamboo produced by PBFI includes a wide range of composite products manufactured by binding together bamboo strips, slats, strands, particles, fibers or veneers with a suitable glue.

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DTI encourages compliant shops to participate in the "Bagwis" Seal of Excellence Awards 2014
A shop that carries the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Seal of Excellence is a certified responsible establishment that upholds the rights and welfare of consumers, DTI underscores. Known as the "Bagwis (local term for feather or wing)" Seal of Excellence, the certification is part of the DTI's Bagwis Program which is recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Asean Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) as one of the best practices of the country in consumer protection. The program gives due recognition to establishments that practice fair business and uphold the rights and welfare of consumers. The seal guides consumers and assures them on purchasing safe and quality products and service, and in getting the best value for their money. Formerly known as the DTI-certified establishment, the Bagwis seal is further classified into gold, silver and bronze. Various parameters are measured so that establishments from supermarkets, department stores, appliance centers to hardware stores and DTI accredited service and repair shops could qualify for the seal. For the bronze seal, establishments must comply with fair trade laws like consumer act, price act, price tag law and consumer welfare desk or recognized customer service counter. The silver seal, on the other hand, involves additional criteria to meet such as compliance with social responsibilities that include sound purchasing policy, good working relationship with the government by participating in the national or local government programs such as price stabilization and livelihood programs. And for the gold seal, establishments must meet the additional requirement of ISO 9001/Quality Management System Compliance. In screening nominees, the DTI partnered with the private sector that include the Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Product Safety & Quality Foundation, Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Philippine Association of Supermarkets, Inc., Phil. Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Federation of Philippine Industries and Nationwide Association of Consumers, Inc. The Bagwis program is implemented nationwide thru its regional/ provincial office. Application form can be downloaded at www.dti.gov.ph or obtained from the nearest office of DTI or by calling the DTI's hotline 7513330. The DTI Bagwis is a Certified Establishment Program (Bagwis Awards) that aims to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.

DTI Negros Oriental received a rating of Excellent from the Civil Service Commission during its 2013 assessment of local and national government agencies of the Philippines under the Anti-Red Tape Act.

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Regional Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Conference March 4, 2014 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

The photo below was taken during a Prototype Development Workshop for upcycled sewerage pipes using plastic grocery bags developed by PhD students Ayaka Satome, Yuri Sakai and Yuki Taoka of Tsukuba University and Tokyo Instititute of Technology in collaboration with Bohol Island State University, DOST and DTI Bohol. This part of the projects and activities of Bohol Fablab assisted by JICA JOCV Volunteer Yutaka Tokushima. This upcycling project is an initiative of JICA for the sewerage piping requirements for the Bohol Airport in Panglao Island.

(Left Photo) SWS President Dr. Mahar K. Mangahas responds to a question from Engr. Pedro Pete H. Delantar, Jr. of Cebu Gifts , Toys and Housewares Foundation, Inc. (Cebu GTH) during the Open Forum of the NCC Roadshow held on March 11, 2014 at the Harolds Hotel in Cebu City. (Right Photo) : President of Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry Philip Tan gives the private sectors response during the NCC Roadshow held on March 11, 2014 at the Harolds Hotel. Dubbed as Boosting Regional Competitiveness through Public -Private Partnership, the roadshow presented the results of the Social Weather Stations 2013 Annual Enterprise Survey on Corruption (AESC) and the 2013 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.

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Talk to stir your curiosity

http://youtu.be/MtSE4rglxbY

With governments ongoing rebuilding efforts after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas, the Department of Trade and Industry has intensified its monitoring and enforcement activities among hardware stores and shops in Central Visayas. On top of its consumer advocacy campaign, the DTI aims to continue with the monitoring of prices of basic and prime commodities, particularly in municipalities away from major urban centers. The DTI will cancel the PS license or ICC certificate of any manufacturer or importer found violating the provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Standards Law. The distribution and sale of uncertified and substandard products that are under the DTIs mandatory certification scheme is a prohibited act based on the law. The presidential proclamation in November last year on typhoon Yolanda and the provincial resolutions of Bohol and Cebu prompted the DTI to heighten its monitoring and enforcement activities, not only on the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, but also on the quality of construction materials that have been in demand for the repair works of homes, schools, offices and establishments of those affected.

Alain de Botton: A kinder, gentler philosophy of success (video)

Alain de Botton examines our ideas of success and failure -- and questions the assumptions underlying these two judgments. Is success always earned? Is failure? He makes an eloquent, witty case to move beyond snobbery to find true pleasure in our work. Through his witty and literate books -- and his new School of Life -- Alain de Botton helps others find fulfillment in the everyday. Source: http://www.ted.com

http://youtu.be/0FQXicAGy5U

On hand is the DTI-Consumer Welfare Business Regulatorys Bureau of Product Standards [BPS] to advise and assist the DTI provincial offices in the prosecution of cases. The DTI-BPS is the Philippines National Standards Body (NSB) that requires manufacturers and importers of the products under mandatory certification to apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) license and import commodity clearance (ICC) certificate, before their products are distributed and sold in the market. Only manufacturers and importers whose products have passed the Philippine National Standard (PNS) requirements relevant to their product will be issued the PS license and ICC certificate. DTI-BPS requires the manufacturers and importers to place the PS and ICC marks on the products prior to distribution to their retailers for sale.

Siddharthan Chandran: Can the damaged brain repair itself?

(video)

After a traumatic brain injury, it sometimes happens that the brain can repair itself, building new brain cells to replace damaged ones. But the repair doesn't happen quickly enough to allow recovery from degenerative conditions like motor neuron disease (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS). Siddharthan Chandran walks through some new techniques using special stem cells that could allow the damaged brain to rebuild faster. Siddharthan Chandran explores how to heal damage from degenerative disorders such as MS and motor neuron disease (ALS). Source: http://www.ted.com

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Regional Planning Workshop February 27-28, 2014 Cebu City

DTI Conducts Standards Monitoring and Spot Inspection on Construction Materials Delivered to LGUs
brands and sizes were also found on the inspected planks of plywood. The DTI-BPS clarified that thinner planks of plywood or GI sheets do not automatically equate to a substandard material as long as it has the required PS Two (2) representatives from the DTI Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) in Manila were in Bohol to conduct standards monitoring on construction materials such as plywood, GI sheets, concrete wires, nails, cement and steel bars. DTI advises consumers to look for the printed PS According to DTI-BPS representatives, construction materials that were delivered to the 4 municipalities passed the standards. Printed PS markings were evident among the inspected GI sheets and stickers, and stickers attached to the product, to be assured that it has passed the standard. Consumers can also seek guidance from the DTI through its provincial office.
(Vierna Teresa Ligan)

The Department of Trade and Industry Bohol Provincial Office recently conducted standards monitoring and spot inspection on construction materials that were delivered to the four (4) earthquake-hit LGUs of Antequera, Maribojoc, San Isidro and the town of Sagbayan on February 4 - 25.

marking. Varying thickness of standard plywood and GI sheets for consumers to choose are available in the market.

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The Power of Expectation

(Audio)
An audio broadcast by BBC World Service
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sqlyw#programme-broadcasts

Can our expectations affect the outcome of what we do? How good are you at blind tasting? Could you tell if you sipped three different cups of coffee which was the best quality without seeing the price? And if you were given a pill to cure a headache do you think it would help, regardless of whether it was real medicine or not? The Swedish neuroscientist Predrag Petrovic asks if a doctors expectations can affect the success of a patients treatment, the Indian neuro-economist Baba Shiv explains why consumers expect something to be better if they pay more, and the American musicologist Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis on why our enjoyment of music is determined by what were expecting to hear.

In photo above are DTI-Cebu Trade & Industry Development Chief Elias G. Tecson and DTI-Cebu Provincial Director Nelia V.F. Navarro during the briefing of respondents for the Post Disaster Needs Awareness (PDNA) Survey conducted on the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) held at the Session Hall of the Municipal Building in Daanbantayan, Cebu Province, on March 5. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along with other government agencies have been tasked by the national government to survey cities and municipalities affected by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013 in order to assess damages, losses and recovery needs. There are 16 affected localities in Cebu (1 city and 15 municipalities) and among those is Daanbantayan with damages estimated at 62,726,078 pesos for the Manufacturing, Trading and Services sectors.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/

DTI conducted an inspection of newly delivered tools for fablab at BISU Tagbilaran. The first set of power tools for the Bohol FabLab SSF Project was inspected by the DTI Bohol property inspector.

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Photo was taken during an operations training and trial run for the Universal Laser System of the Bohol FabLab. This is a component of the DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project. The project cooperator is the Bohol Island State University (BISU) and jointly funded by DOST, JICA and DTI.

Photo below shows a Roland MDX-40A Operations Training for Bohol FabLab.. This training is participated by the Bohol Island State University (BISU), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DTI staff. This FabLab is jointly funded by the DTI, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), BISU and DOST.

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DTI-CEBU CONDUCTS REGULAR BRIEFING ON FAIR TRADE LAWS FOR ENTREPRENEURS, BUSINESS NAME APPLICANTS AND CONSUMERS
The Department of Trade and Industry Cebu is conducting a Fair Trade Laws Briefing for Business Name applicants and consumers every Wednesday starting April 2, 2014 until the end of 2014. The Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division (CWBRD), aside from their regular business name registration task, also educates consumers and implements programs and projects that will create a healthy business environment. Businessmen and Consumers who want to know and understand their rights and responsibilities can register at the Public Assistance and Complaint Desk at least a week before to attend either the 9:30 am or the 1:30 session every Wednesday to be held at the DTI-NERBAC Office. The 1-hour seminar is targeted towards increasing awareness among new entrepreneurs and the general consumers on their rights and their responsibilities as mandated by the Consumer Act of the Philippines and existing Fair Trade Laws. Participants can expect discussions on subject matters such as the No Return No Exchange Policy, Deceptive and Unfair Sales Acts & Practices, Consumer Complaints Handling and insight on Good Customer Relations. For interested groups of 10-20 participants, please contact 255-3926 or 255-6971 for more details or visit the Department of Trade and Industry Cebu Provincial Office located at the Ground Floor of LDM Building, Lapu-lapu Street Cebu City.
(Neliza Marie Avila, DTI-Cebu)

DTI Bohol Conducts Lecture on Metrication and Product Standards

The Department of Trade & Industry Bohol Provincial Office conducted a lecture on Metrication and Product Standards to retailers, dealers of hardware, electrical, construction materials and household appliances on March 19, 2014 at JJs Seafood Village, K of C Drive, Tagbilaran City. The lecture is part of DTIs advocacy to promote consumer awareness on product standards and the use of the metric system as a unit of measurement for all products, materials and commodities in all transactions involving the purchase, sale and availment of services. Jose Hibaya, Chief of the Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division of DTI -Bohol, initiated the activity which was attended by twenty eight (28) businessmen and senior officers of leading establishments in Tagbilaran City DTI Bohol Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon, in her opening message, stressed the importance of adopting the Metric System as a unit of measurement for all products, commodities, materials, utilities and services in all commercial transactions involving their use. Arbon likewise informed participants that DTI will make sure that all businesses in the province comply with requirements of the Product Standards Law, especially for mandatory products. To level the playing field, DTI needs the support and cooperation of the businessmen in making standardization work, since we also want our consumers to demand for quality products and services at reasonable prices, Director Arbon said. (Jose Hibaya, DTI-Bohol) Consumer program Timbangan, hosted by Jose Hibaya of DTI-Bohol , is aired every Tuesday, 4:004:30 p.m., over station DYRD-AM.
"Timbangan" literally means weighing scale. It advocates education and protection of local consumers and provides an avenue where local business establishments and concerned government agencies can become more responsive and proactive to consumer concerns. "Timbangan" incorporates a format wherein competent representatives of concerned government agencies and business establishments are tapped as resource persons to discuss the scope of their respective mandates and their services, respectively, share the usual complaints of consumers that the agency usually deal with and provide advise on how to deal with or avoid these usual setbacks. It also accepts phone-in questions or complaints from the listening public about the issues being discussed during the airing of the program. The following is the DYRD website address: http://www.dyrdam.com/

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NCC Roadshow in Cebu City

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted an NCC Road show with the theme Boosting Regional/Local Competitiveness through Public Private Partnership on March 11, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, in Cebu City. The road show presented the Philippines Game Plan for Competitiveness and highlighted the presentation of the results of the Social Weather Stations 2013 Annual Enterprise Survey on Corruption. During the NCC forum were local business chambers, industry associations, academe, non-government organizations, concerned government agencies, and members of the media. Among the speakers of the activity were Mahar Mangahas, President of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Marina Saldana, Program Officr of the DTI-NCC. The National Competitiveness Council was formed last October 2006 as a Public-Private Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness by virtue of Presidential Executive Order No. 571, amended to E.O. no. 44 by the present administration to address the improvement of the countrys competitiveness from the bottom third of competitiveness rankings to the top third by 2016. For more information on the activities of the NCC, visit the website http:// www.competitive.org.ph
DTI Bohol conducted an inspection of a processing equipment delivered to the Candabong RIC last March 11 under the Ginger-based products Shared Service Facility Project . The inspection was done in coordination with representatives and technical personnel from Loopex Marketing of Cebu City, who did the test run of the Pillow Pack Machine.

Congratulations to the winners of the "Search for the Brightest Ideas on Environment-Friendly Business Solutions": Champion: St Paul University High School for their project "Redox effect from waste water, solution as an alternative source of electricity" First Runner-up: Camanjac National High School for their project "Papers for Life" Second Runner-up: Catherina Cittadini High School for their project "Freshie Freshener"", an organic freshener Third Runner-Up: Holy Cross High School for their project "From Motors to Papers", recycles paper towels. The Competition is a project of the Consumer Advocates Inc. (CAI), a consumer organization supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, which involved 3rd year HS teams who developed proposals that result in a greener workplace. The proposals offered either of the following: Product - a practical invention (Answers the question: What can we use?) Process - a management system or program that targets improvement or change of a prevailing business practice (Answers the question: How do we do it?) Combination of Product and Process

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A Relaxing Bath That Doesn't Require a Towel

AnxietyBusters That Don't Require an Rx

On weekends, overstimulated Tokyoites head to the sylvan hills outside the capital for the Japanese pastime of Shinrin-yoku, or "forestbathing." Recent research shows that they're on to something: Scientists from Chiba University have found that compared with city strolls, leisurely walks in nature result in a 12.4 percent decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, a 7 percent decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, a 1.4 percent decrease in blood pressure and a 5.8 percent decrease in heart rate. Those studies have also shown that spending time outside can increase parasympathetic nerve activity by 55 percent , which, the researchers said, is associated with a relaxed state.

DTI assists FDA in Negros Oriental

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental and the Consumer Advocates, Inc. (CAI) inspected grocery shops and other stores in the province for the recall of a product found to contain a high level of a toxic compound. This was after FDA issued an Advisory for the recall of Nagaraya Cracker Nut Original Butter Flavor (160 grams) that was found to contain an unacceptable level of Aflatoxin. FDA asked for assistance in enforcing the advisory and in asking grocery shops and stores to pull out the specified product. FDA is the lead agency in the enforcement of the recall order. The DTI assisted in identifying, locating and informing the local distributors of the Nagaraya product in Negros Oriental to stop its supply. Aflatoxin is a toxic compound described as carcinogenic.

The Stress-Reducer That Purrs If you have a cat or a dog, you already know that stroking their fur makes you feel better after a bad day. In separate studies, pets have also helped to lower the blood pressure of high-strung stockbrokers, relax research subjects who were asked to perform a stressful arithmetic task and lower the anxiety levels of hospital patients. The Body's Natural Cannabis Most of us think that the famed runner's high comes from endorphins that flood the brain after intense activity, but research has shown that those endorphins are actually too large to pass the blood-brain barrier. Neuroscientists are now claiming that the credit is due to endocannabinoids, smaller molecules made up of lipids that have a similar affect on the body as does the active ingredient in marijuana. Receptors in the brain and the body allow these endocannabinoids to bind to the nervous system, and this sets off reactions that decrease pain and anxiety and generally help us feel more groovy. Scents That Steady Your Nerves The practice of using scented oils to cure ailments dates back to ancient times, and in Europe, aromatherapy is taken a little more seriously as an alternative medical treatment. While many of the clinical studies have been small or wishy-washy (as in, it may not be helpful... but it's not hurtful), a research review published in the February 2011 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that aromatherapy could quell anxiety.
Source: http://www.oprah.com/

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The Right to Basic Needs

The first consumer right is THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS which guarantee survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and sanitation. What to do:

the regular priced items to be sure that you are not paying for the said free items.

The Right to Representation

The fifth consumer right is THE RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION which is the right to express consumer interests in the making and execution of government policies. What to do:

Prioritize your needs Look for quality, not quantity Be quality conscious, not brand conscious

Do not engage in panic-buying In times of crisis/calamity, be vigilant in ensuring that basic commodities are available in the market

Read newspapers, bulletin boards in private and government offices, especially in your locality for announcements of public hearings Take time to attend public hearings or even meetings conducted in your area wherein consumer issues are being discussed. Be aware of how the consumer laws and regulations are being implemented in your locality.

The Right to Safety

The second consumer right is THE RIGHT TO SAFETY which is the right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the provision of services that are hazardous to health and life. What to do:

The Right to Redress

The sixth consumer right is THE RIGHT TO REDRESS which is the right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services. What to do:

If you have sensitivity to a certain ingredient, it would be very beneficial if you read all labels and product circulars before using a certain product If you are in a store and have doubts about the product's effectiveness, ask for a person who knows how the products works or how to operate Keep certain products out of the reach of young children. Watch out for special warning signs in the label of the product like "NOT SUITED FOR CHILDREN BELOW FOUR(4) YEARS" or "POISON: For external use only etc." Before buying products especially in cases when only large containers are available, it would be best if you ask for a sample or tester Be on guard regarding products which are found to be hazardous, you can scan newspapers regularly for new bits on this topic The Right to Information The third consumer right is THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION which is the right to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising or labelling and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed choice. What to do:

In case you bought a defective product, try going back to the store where you bought the item and look for the Consumer Welfare Desk. You may request a replacement, refund or if needed, have the defective item repaired. If the manager or store representative does not act on your complaint, proceed to the agency which has jurisdiction over your case. Bring the necessary documents like complaint letter and a copy of your receipt and other documents you deem are vital for the mediation. Be sure to attend the mediation conference.

The Right to Consumer Education

The seventh consumer right is THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION which is the right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed customer. What to do:

Before purchasing a product, it is very important for you to read the label carefully so that you would be able to know its use, content (chemical ingredients), number of pieces, how to care for the product Before signing any document like warranties and guarantees, credit items or services contacts, it is important to read and understand all provisions in the documents especially the fine prints It is very important to read newspapers, buying guides, magazines before purchasing a product. Also, consult with friends who you know have purchased a similar product If you need to clarify something regarding the use of the product, don't hesitate to write the company so that you can obtain a detailed information It is imperative to look for the name and address of the manufacturer in case the need arises.

Scan newspapers, magazines and other reading materials for articles or newsbits which educate consumers on how to get the best value for their peso. Involve yourself in public hearings or even meetings conducted in your area wherein consumer -related issues such as access to basic goods and services, product quality and safety, sustainable consumption and the like are being discussed. Participate in seminars, conferences and fora conducted by government agencies, consumer groups and business / industry sector regarding news and regulations for consumer welfare.

The Right to a Healthy Environment

The eight consumer right is THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT which is the right to live and work in an environment which is neither threatening nor dangerous and which permits a life of dignity and well-being. What to do:

The Right to Choose

The fourth consumer right is THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE which is the right to choose products at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality. What to do:

Specify what you really want. The biggest size may be cheaper but it may not be what you need. Canvass price before purchasing a product or signing a contract.

Read the manuals or instructions carefully to be able to compare one product with another because in this way, you will not miss the fine prints which might contain the information you need to determine which product would serve you better. If product tester are available, be sure to try one. Be wary of special offers like free items or buy 2 take 1 free. Compare them with

Be aware of the kind and extent of pollution occuring in your locality like air polluton, noise / odor etc. so that you would be able to address the problem Do your share in caring for our environment by practicing the 3R's of environmental protection: REDUCE - the source of solid wastes by buying earth friendly products. These are products that could be disposed properly without harming our environment. REUSE - products and containers as much as possible. RECYCLE - because using recycled products and recycling per use, will prolong the life of our landfills Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph/

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DTI turns-over 3 more SSFs in Negros Oriental

Three more Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) were launched and turned over by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to cooperatives on March 25 and 26 in Bayawan City, Bacong and Zamboanguita. DTI turned over a Rubber Sheet Processing SSF to the Responsive and United Bayawan Believers for Economic Recovery (RUBBERCO) at the Integrated Business Center (IBC) in Bayawan City on March 25. The next day, the Bacong Small Coconut Farmers Development Cooperative (BASCOFADCO) received a Coco Fiber Processing Shared Service Facility from the DTI during a ceremony held at Barangay Combado, Bacong. The Zamboanguita Small Coconut Farmers Coop (ZASCOFAMCO) also obtained a Coco Fiber Processing SSF from DTI on the same day in Poblacion, Zamboanguita. Shared Service Facility (SSF) is a strategic complementary project that entails the setting up of common service facilities or production centers for certain processes to give MSMEs access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitiveness and help them graduate to a next level where they can tap a better and wider market and be integrated in the global supply chain. The SSF project also intends to generate employment opportunity and is a means to achieve inclusive growth as envisioned by the current administration.

DTI RD Asteria Caberte and PD Javier Fortunato Jr. turned over a Rubber Sheet Processing Shared Service Facility (SSF) to the Responsive and United Bayawan Believers for Economic Recovery (RUBBERCO), represented by Chairman Rogelio B. Dael. The simple ceremony was witnessed by Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Baywan Mayor German P. Saraa, Jr. and 3rd District Congressman of Negros Oriental Henry Pryde Teves.

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BISU STUDENT DESIGNERS WIN ANEW AT THE 2014 PIFS

Student designers from the Bohol Island State University in Tagbilaran City, again won this years Best Student Design for their Arthur Lamp and Octa Collection, which were exhibited by Detalia Aurora during this years Philippines International Furniture Show held at the SMX Convention Center last 14-17 March 2014. Dadibern Agbo and Anton Saliot won a citation for Best Product Utilizing Green Process for their Arthur and Octa Collection, while Dadibern Agbo, who designed the Arthur Lamp, won Best Student-Designed Home Accessory Award. The two are interns at Detalia Aurora in Cebu, and both belong to the second batch of BS in Industrial Design students who will graduate this year. It may be recalled that BSID was first offered in BISU in 2009 through the efforts of DTI and GTZ, to address the need for more quality designers in the region. (VCL)

DTI 7 RD Asteria Caberte and DTI Negros Oriental PD Javier Fortunato Jr. turned over a Coco Coir Processing Shared Service Facility (SSF) to the Bacong Small Coconut Farmers Devt. Cooperative (BASCOFADCO) represented by Chairman Pancrasio Gringio. The turn-over ceremony was witnessed by Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Bacong Mayor Lenin Alviola and 3rd District Congressman of Negros Oriental Henry Pryde Teves.

DTI 7 RD Asteria Caberte and DTI Negros Oriental PD Javier Fortunato Jr. turned over a Coco Coir Processing Shared Service Facility (SSF) to the Zamboanguita Small Coconut Farmers Coop. (ZASCOFAMCO) represented by chairman Expedito R. Enojo. The launching and turn-over ceremony was witnessed by Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Zamboanguita Mayor Kit Marc Adanza and 3rd District Congressman of Negros Oriental Henry Pryde Teves.

Arthur and Octa Collection Citation for Product that Utilizes Green Process (Photo courtesy: Detalia Aurora)

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DTI and LGU Bayawan hold activities in support to consumers and businesses in Oriental Negros
On March 20-21, the Department of Trade and Industry Negros Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-NOPO) and the Local Government Unit of Bayawan organized three major activities in support to consumers and businesses in Negros Oriental. At the Cabcaban Training Center in Bayawan City, DTI-NOPO and Bayawan LGU held a two-day consultative meeting, business continuity planning (BCP), awarding and recognition ceremony for Consumer Welfare Centers. A Plaque of Recognition was awarded to the following Centers for Consumer Welfare in grateful recognition for their invaluable support for championing the consumers and businesses in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. CENTER FOR CONSUMER WELFARE BAYAWAN CITY Calendar Years 2006-2013 (First) and Calendar Years 2003-2005 (Second) CENTER FOR CONSUMER WELFARE STA. CATALINA Calendar Years 2003-2005 (First) and Calendar Years 2006-2013 (Second) CENTER FOR CONSUMER WELFARE TANJAY CITY Calendar Years 2011-2013 (Third) A consultative meeting was held among members of the CCW to discuss matters pertaining to the Diskwento Caravan, Consumer Advocacy, Consumer Education, among others. For the Business Continuity Planning activity, CCW members tackled topics such as the BCP Framework, Lifeline Businesses and Threatening Risks, Survival Strategies, and continuous improvement, among others.

http://youtu.be/6ibCtsHgz3Y

Lisa Bu: How books can open your mind (video)

What happens when a dream you've held since childhood ... doesn't come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand her mind and create a new path for herself. She shares her unique approach to reading in this lovely, personal talk about the magic of books. TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.
Source: http://www.ted.com/translate

For it is in giving that we receive. Francis of Assisi

DTI conducts training on Voluntary Standardization and Certification

The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Product Standards and the European Union (EU) Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Project 3 under Component 3 National Quality Infrastructure conducted a one-day training on Voluntary Standardization and Certification: Be Competitive at Home and Abroad on March 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , at Harolds Hotel, Cebu In cooperation with the DTI Central Visayas, the activity is part of DTIs task of developing the Philippines industries and protecting consumers. Tackled during the training program were topics on the importance of National Quality Infrastructure, Development and Priorities of Voluntary Standardization in BPS, Role of the National Technical Committee, Services of National Standardization Body, Voluntary Standardization, Certification and Market Access, Understanding the European Legal Framework and the PS Mark, among others. One of the most critical aspects of developing a National Quality Infrastructure is the capacity of a country to develop and influence voluntary standardization, and for regulatory bodies to understand the best ways to benefit from this voluntary activity led by the private sector. In previous initiatives of the TRTA projects, there has been ia need to reinforce key concepts to help optimize the involvement and use of international standards for both consumer protection and industry development, as well as the use of voluntary certification to upgrade the quality of Philippine products and services.

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Kalampusan March 2014

The Benefits Of Gratitude

Giving thanks daily for what you have is powerful and life changing. It's fun to get together with family and friends to share a wonderful meal on Thanksgiving, but it's also healthy to take time to reflect on the abundances we each have within our daily lives. Happiness and well-being are more important than status and possessions. Materialism is not happiness. That feeling of entitlement will never bring joy. Happiness is peace of mind, and all too often in this fastpaced roller coaster life, that concept is lost. We go through trials every day, and it doesn't take surviving a hurricane or personal tragedy to incorporate gratitude into your day-to-day routine. The characteristics that define one who can handle adversity are the same characteristics that define who will have a happy, healthy and productive life. So, when you feel the need to reflect on the hard economic times, the high unemployment rate and all the problems we are sharing, stop. Turn your attention instead to what you have faith in, who you love, who loves you, and your hopes for the future. Most importantly, take the time to acknowledge with gratitude all the good things you do have in your life. Life is a gift. Freedom is a gift. Employment is a gift. Friends and loved ones are gifts. Your very breath at this moment is a gift. Viewing life with grateful eyes gives insight that life owes you nothing, allowing gratitude to work its humbling magic. Give thanks daily.
Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com

Bantay Radyo interviewed DTI on their monitoring and enforcement activities, Diskwento Caravan, Shared Service Facilities, SME Roving Academy and other business development activities. It was aired simultaneously over DYDD in Metro Cebu, DYHH in Bogo and DYZZ in Negros Oriental on March 5 In photo are (L to R) Kulu-Kabildo program anchor Eraidito Pana, station manager Jun Carillo and DTI Representative Jojisilia Villamor.

RADIO PLUG ON CONSUMERISM (audio in Cebuano) On the right is a link to an audio on consumer empowerment produced by Adelina Balatayo of DTI Negros Oriental
http://yourlisten.com/jojisilia.villamor/dti-consumers-plug -march-07-2014

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KALAMPUSAN
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REGIONAL OFFICE Regional Director ASTERIA C. CABERTE 3rd Flr, WDC Bldg.,Osmena Boulevard, cor. P.Burgos, Cebu City Tel. # (63)(032) 255-0036 / 255-0037 Fax # (63)(032) 253-7465 email: dti_7@yahoo.com / dticentralvisayas@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/dtiregion7 http://dti7updates.tumblr.com/ REGIONAL OFFICE DIVISIONS Business Development Division Victoria Diaz, Chief Tel. Nos. 2550036 / 412-1989 / 412-1868 loc. 601 e-mail: bdd.dtiro7@gmail.com Consumer Welfare and Business Regulatory Division Rose Mae Quinanola, OIC Tel. Nos. 2550036 / 412-1989 / 412-1868 loc 301 Industry Development and Investment Promotion Division Minerva Yap, Chief Tel. nos. 412-1944 / 4121945 / 255-6971 / 255-3926 e-mail: dtiro7.idipd@gmail.com BOHOL PROVINCIAL OFFICE Provincial Director MA. ELENA C. ARBON 2F FCB Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City Tel. # (63) 038-501-8260 Fax # (63) 038-412-3533 email: dtibohol@yahoo.com

Philippines

EDITORIAL BOARD

Executive Editor Asteria C. Caberte DTI 7 Regional Director Managing Editor Rose Mae Quinanola

Writer /Editor Jojisilia Villamor Lay-out Artists Jerome Elarcosa & Bernard Cabasisi

CEBU PROVINCIAL OFFICE Provincial Director: NELIA V.F. NAVARRO 3F LDM Bldg., M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cor.Legaspi Street, Cebu City Tel. # (63)(032) 255-6971 / 255-3926 (63)(032) 412-1944 / 412-1945 email: dticebuphil@yahoo.com / dticebuphil@gmail.com NEGROS ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL OFFICE Provincial Director JAVIER FORTUNATO, JR 2F Uymatiao Bldg., San Jose Street. Dumaguete City Tel. # (63)(035) 422-2764 Fax # (63)(035) 225-7211 email: dtinegor@gmail.com SIQUIJOR PROVINCIAL OFFICE Provincial Director NIMFA M. VIRTUCIO Chan She Bldg., Legaspi Street, Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor Tel. # (63)035-480-9065 Fax # (63) 035-344-2238 email: dtisiquijor@yahoo.com NATIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH AND BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER (NERBAC) Center Manager NELIA V.F. NAVARRO Lapu-lapu St., cor. Osmena Boulevard, Cebu City Tel # (032) 255-6971 / 255-3926 (032) 412-1944 / 412-1945 Email: dticebuphil@yahoo.com / dticebuphil@gmail.com

Contributors Jacqueline Calumpang Jose Julio Somido Adelina Balatayo Olivet Nina Somido PD Javier Fortunato Jr. Vierna Teresa Ligan Angeline Gonzales Blair Panong Neliza Marie Avila Jose Hibaya

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