The program also served as a platform to increase students’ awareness on making conscious and sustainable choices in purchasing products which will strengthen their capacity to further analyze consumer education.

In line with the nation’s celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, the Confederation of Multiskilled Educators on Technology and Innovation (CMETI), in partnership with the Supreme Student Council and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted a seminar about Consumer Education with the theme “GEN S: Generation Sustainable” at the De Venecia Hall, November 9.

The topics in the seminar revolved around consumer awareness, rights, and laws aiming to underscore the importance of responsible consumption and the adoption of sustainable consumer practices as well as to spread awareness on purchasing products based on sustainability and ethical practices.

“It is about making choices that prioritize sustainability reducing our individual impact on the environment and supporting businesses that uphold ethical practices. It is about embracing the mantra of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Conserving energy and water and using sustainable alternatives whenever possible,” Dr. Jose P. Gallena Jr, Executive Officer, said in his message.

“The power of consumer choice is undeniable. Our collective decision can sway market trends, encourage sustainable practices, and right innovation. When we demand sustainable products and services, we send a clear message to businesses that sustainability is not just a password but a market necessity,” Dr. Gallena further added.

The seminar was intended for all the second year students of the College of Education.

Meanwhile, attendees of the said event shared their insights and learnings on the said seminar.

“It was a very informative seminar. I was able to reflect as a consumer and as an individual. It will help me a lot as a consumer to know my rights. and as a future educator, I hope i can be able to share that learnings with others,” Reymark Maliwat, a second year BSE-English student, said when asked about his insights about the seminar.

Romnick Piano, a second year BSE-Social Studies student also finds the event infomative and amusing.

“The first part of the seminar is [kwan] very informative siya kasi ani hindi lang naman kami mga estudyante pero meron din kaming mga basic needs, mga pangangailangan for our schoolworks gano’n tsaka personal which is nagiging consumer din kami most of the time kaya napakaimportante na aware din kami sa aming mga rights, sa mga pwedeng violations ng establishments nang sa gano’n, is hindi kami or hindi tayo, kumbaga malugi parang gano’n. Para hindi tayo maging kawawa at the end of the day. ‘Eto namang part two, masaya masi maraming activities,” He told The Forum.

The afternoon session of the program was when the presentation and judging of the entries for the photography contest took place and was shortly followed by a quiz bee.

The event was pushed through with the help and support of the College of Education-Student Body Organization and the Office of Student Affairs and Services striving to achieve SDG 12-Responsible Consumption and Production as well as to exercise SDG 17-Partneship for goals.

Article by: Fiona Buella

SOURCE: The Forum Publication