OLONGAPO CITY – A total of 246 Grade 10 students participated in a Consumer Awareness and Responsiveness Education Seminar (CARES with DepEd) conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The seminar is in partnership with the Department of Education Schools Division of Olongapo and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) at Old Cabalan Integrated School.
DTI Zambales Provincial Director Enrique Tacbad said the seminar aimed to educate students on their rights and responsibilities as consumers, while promoting financial literacy and encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth.
“This also encourages young consumers to actively participate in consumer-related programs intended for their protection against unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices,” he said.
DTI discussed the significance of knowing one’s consumer rights and responsibilities and gave a talk on building an entrepreneurial mindset. They shared insights into how students can develop business ideas and engage in small-scale enterprises.
The session focused on empowering students to make informed purchasing decisions and assert their rights in the marketplace.
BSP North Luzon Bank Officer Gomer Gomez presented the security features of the new polymer Philippine banknotes.
He explained how these features protect the integrity of the Philippine currency and make it more resistant to counterfeiting.
DTI Zambales announced its intention to continue partnering with more schools in Olongapo City and Zambales to expand consumer education efforts among students. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)