UNIT I: CONSUMER HEALTH
LESSON 3: CONSUMER WELFARE AND PROTECTION
The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines states that. “The State shall protect consumers
from trade malpractices and from substandard or hazardous substances.” – Article XVI,
General Provision, Section 9.
CONSUMER WELFARE
Refers to the overall well-being and satisfaction of consumers in a market.
It focuses on ensuring that consumers receive quality goods and services at fair prices,
have access to accurate information, and enjoy healthy market competition.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
It involves laws, regulations, and policies designed to safeguard consumers from unfair,
deceptive, or harmful business practices.
It ensures that consumers have rights and remedies when they are misled, exploited, or
harmed by products and services.
CONSUMER LAW
Republic Act No. 7394, known as The Consumer Act of the Philippines, is designed to
prevent business that engages in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an
advantage over competitors, and provide additional protection for the weak and
uncapable to take care of themselves.
The act focuses on the welfare, protection, and rights of Filipino consumers.
BASIC CONSUMER RIGHTS:
1. Right to Basic Needs
This guarantees survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education,
and sanitation.
2. Right to Safety
This guarantees protection to the consumer against the marketing of goods or the
provision of services that are hazardous to health and life.
3. Right to Information
This protects the consumers against dishonest or misleading advertising or labeling,
and the right to be given the facts and information needed to make an informed
choice.
4. Right to Choose
This gives the consumer the right to choose among various products at competitive
prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
5. Right to Representation
This gives the consumer the right to express his/her interests in the making and
execution of government policies.
6. Right to Redress
This gives the consumer the right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy
goods, or unsatisfactory services.
7. Right to Consumer Education
This is the right to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be an informed
consumer.
8. Right to a Healthy Environment
This is the right to live and work in an environment that is neither threatening nor
dangerous, and which permits a life of dignity and well-being.
CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Department of
Health
Department of
Local Governments
Education
Department of
Bangko Sentral ng
Agriculture
Pilipinas
Department of
Trade and Industry
Consumer agencies responsible for product safety and alert are the following:
Department of Agriculture on products related to agriculture
Department of Health on products related to food, drugs, cosmetics, devices, and
hazardous substance
Department of Trade and Industry on all other consumer products like clothes, appliances,
etc.
Government partnership with consumer organizations
Agencies and organizations exist to protect consumers around the world:
International Consumer Protection and Environment Network (ICPEN)
a. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
b. APEC Electronic Commerce Steering Group (AECSG)
c. ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCCP)
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
ACTIVITIES FOR LESSON 3:
CONSUMER WELFARE ACTIVITIES
a. Price Comparison Challenge
Objective: Understand competitive pricing and how consumers benefit from choices
in the market.
Instructions: Students compare the prices of the same product from different brands
or stores and analyze which offers the best value for money. List down all gathered
information.
b. Product Quality Inspection
Objective: Learn how to identify quality products and make informed purchasing
decisions.
Instructions: List down at least three (3) various food or household items and have
students check for quality indicators like expiration dates, certifications, and
ingredient lists.
c. Advertisement Analysis
Objective: Enhance awareness of marketing strategies and consumer decision-
making.
Instructions: Students collect at least three (3) different advertisements and discuss
whether they provide clear and accurate information or use misleading tactics. List
down all gathered information.
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACTIVITIES
a. Spot the False Advertising
Objective: Students should know how to recognize and avoid deceptive advertising.
Instructions: Students find a real or fictional ads containing misleading claims. They
must identify the false claims and explain how they could be corrected.
b. Product Safety Investigation
Objective: Raise awareness about consumer safety regulations and corporate
accountability.
Instructions: Assign students to research product recalls and present how unsafe
products affect consumers and what protections exist. List down all gathered
information.
