COTABATO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) successfully wrapped up a three-day Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan Konsyumer (TNKK) summit here that gave emphasis to the smart and proper investment of money.
Lawyer Anwar Malang, DTI-ARMM regional secretary, said the summit, which coincided with October’s celebration of Consumer Welfare Month, also focused on consumer protection and business promotion.
The October 9-11 summit, held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM in this city, was participated in by some 500 regional business leaders, ARMM employees, and other stakeholders.
Malang underscored the significance of the event to ARMM employees, who will be affected by the transition to a new Bangsamoro region.
“I am sure this will help employees who might be displaced once the new regional government assumes office,” Malang said, referring to the incoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that will replace the current ARMM.
During the first day of the summit, Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Consumer Act, Price Act, Suggested Retail Price, Senior Citizens Act, Franchise Business Opportunities and fair trade-related laws were adequately covered.
On the second day, Sustainable Business and Financial Empowerment sessions were held, including education on the new currency facilitated by members of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.
Opportunities were discussed on the last day of the event, through the industry cluster, including those in the coconut, coffee, and abaca industries.
Jahara Ngindig, 33, an employee of the region’s Interior and Local Government department, said the lectures were helpful, especially so that she is among those who will be affected when the new government comes in.
“It taught us how to effectively use a capital for investment,” Ngindig said.
Other parallel activities were conducted simultaneously during the three-day summit. These include jobs fair, skills and training seminars, and business and educational fora. -PNA
