Dumaguete city: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is taking steps to institutionalize the Consumers' Network in the province, aiming to bring together government agencies, advocacy groups, and media to enhance consumer complaint resolution processes. Jade Krystle Bato, spokesperson for DTI-Negros Oriental, stated in an interview that the initiative seeks to streamline and expedite the handling of consumer complaints to ensure timely resolutions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Consumer Network will include various government agencies, such as provincial and local government units, and media outlets that run consumer welfare programs. Bato emphasized that these institutions are typically the first point of contact for consumers looking to escalate their concerns and complaints, and the formalization of the Consumers' Network is expected to improve service delivery.

Although the network was initially conceptualized and loosely organized last year, plans are underway to formalize it through a memorandum of agreement or an executive order, with the provincial government taking the lead role. Once established, complaints regarding issues such as mall shopping, food orders, and driver's licenses will be directed more efficiently to the responsible agencies or offices.

A meeting among network members is scheduled for September 19 as a precursor to the celebration of Consumer Month in October, Bato added.