Learn and Act!

Do not deposit your money in your own bank. A learning that was shared to me by my college friend who attended a seminar before she graduated. I wonder why she said own bank where in fact I do not own a bank. Then later she explained to me that own bank is when I stash my money on my hand instead of putting it on a bank. What she is trying to convey  is about money circulation, that it is my responsibility to cooperate with the proper handling of money.

As KAAKBAY trainee in Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte I learned many things concerning my rights and responsibilities as consumer. Yes, I benefited with my rights but in exchange I need to do my responsibilities. I once shared my learning to my family especially to my sister, I told her that she has the right to be protected in accordance with Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA No. 7394). She raised various questions but one question struck me the most when she ask about No Return, No exchange Policy. Well, I am blessed enough that I was able to listen to the seminar conducted by the DTI- DN that educating the consumers not to be deceived by unlawful policies. There I explained to her that there's no such no return, no exchange policy because you can return a product if it has defects, that is why rights are provided to help her protected. Also,I told her not to keep her money all alone because it lessen the circulation of money. I encourage her to save on a bank so that her coins won't be stagnant. After, my sister is thankful that I undergo my internship in DTI- DN because she has the opportunity to acquire learning coming from me.

Still, I need to be critically aware, make action, knows on the social concern, environmentally aware and promote solidarity. It is my responsibility as well to share these learning to the people who surrounds me like my family, friends and church mates. By simply telling them not to stash their money instead of helping to circulate the money. Following the responsibilities as Filipino consumer will give benefit maybe not today but sooner or later.

DO NOT WAIT FOR TOMORROW, BE RESPONSIBLE TODAY.

AYOS IGACOS! A statement that best describe the Island Garden City of Samal. 

Last January 20, 2015 the Igacos Consumers Association ( ICA) conducted their 2nd General Assembly wherein it was participated by individuals coming from different Barangays especially the officials of the association. There was a seminar headed by Sir Delvin Santos, DTI Trade and Industry Development Specialist who broaden the knowledge of the consumers in Samal when regards to sales promo, sales discount and emphasizing the rights of the senior citizen. The seminar became successful because of the active spirit of the participants, they grab the opportunity to ask the speaker regarding their rights and confusion as a consumer.

Various questions were being raised to clarify their concerns. There, the speaker was able to end up their confusion, he answered all their questions and did his very best to explain to the consumers about their rights.

Personally as KAAKBAY trainee, I am always excited to go back to IGACOS because I can see the SPIRIT of  HUMILITY and WILLINGNESS as portrayed by the people of Samal.

Indeed, AYOS IGACOS!!!

ENERCON TIPS
(Do it Yourself Energy Audit)

Looking for tips that would surely help you to save ENERGY and MONEY? Here are six suggested tips that would greatly make you a GOOD and WISE CONSUMER. This will help you solve your problem, start reading, better do it right NOW.

Have you ever wondered what parts of your house use the most energy? to know it, you have to hire a professional energy auditor. The cost-effective alternative is to conduct it yourself. Below are some doit-yourself (DIY) energy assessment tips:

1. Check the insulation in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceiling, floors, and crawl spaces. Improving your home's insulation is the fastest way to cut on your energy waste. For best results when you insulate your home, consider factors such as climate, home design, and budget. If you intend to install the insulation yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and wear the proper protective gear.

2. check for air leaks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets. Before you insulate your house,  be sure to seal air leaks first because insulating materials will not block leaks.

3. Take time to study your family member's lighting needs and make use of controls-like sensors dimmers or timers - to reduce lightning use if necessary.

4. Check if your refrigerator is overworked. Over time, it will experience wear and tear on door's rubber gasket, build up dirt and dust on coils, thus eroding its efficiency and making it more expensive to operate.

5. Check the insulation of your switches and outlets. To know if there's a leak remove the plate and cover the opening with a ply of tissue affixed to wall at the top with painter's tape, If the tissue billows, it is likely that there is a leakage. If so, immediately insulate the opening with a precut foam gasket.

6. Properly maintain your appliances as well as heating and cooling systems. Be sure to read the corresponding owner's manual for recommended maintenance.


Sources: http://energy.gov
               http://www.thisoldhouse.com

              Consumer Welfare Division - Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte 
              Provincial Office


Published by the Knowledge Management and Information Service (KMIS) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please email us at publications@dti.gov.ph.