MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—Grant Jhazzel B. Ortega, a student from Central Mindanao University Laboratory High School (CMULHS) in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon was declared champion of the regional consumer quiz competition in celebration of Consumer Welfare Month with the theme ‘Sustainable Consumerism in the Digital Age.’

Ortega defeated other contestants from schools in five Northern Mindanao provinces in this year’s quest held at Mallberry Suites and Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City on October 26.

Famelah Racquel D. Villanueva, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon, said this is one of the ways the department disseminates information and broadens education on policies affecting both consumers and the general public through scholastic competition.

“The Regional Consumer Quiz aims to raise the level of readiness of the academic sector to take a proactive stance towards more responsive and proactive consumerism,” she said.
Ortega won a cash prize of P9,000 and a trophy as the quiz bee’s champion. Mr. Byron B. Recia, his coach, also received P5,000 cash.

Meanwhile, Charmie Pogoy of Labo National High School, representing Misamis Occidental province, was named 1st runner-up, bringing home a cash prize of P7,000 and a trophy. Louisa Medeia Orlanes of Lanao del Norte’s Lala National High School ranked 2nd runner-up and received a P5,000 cash prize as well as a trophy.

In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1098, the DTI leads the celebration every October.

Junar B. Merla, DTI-Bukidnon Consumer Protection Division chief, said the month-long celebration aims to raise consumer awareness by disseminating relevant information about consumer-friendly policies and programs.

“The month-long celebration highlights the role of consumers adopting a conscious mindset and making more informed and sustainable decisions when purchasing goods and services via online platforms. It also calls for businesses to adopt sustainable practices in the digital transformation of their products and operations,” Merla said. (DTI-Bukidnon/PIA-10/Bukidnon).