Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas (left) leads the opening of Nueva Ecija’s first Barangay Consumer Center located at Barangay Santolan in Palayan City, strengthening consumer protection at the grassroots level by bringing essential government services closer to the people. (DTI Nueva Ecija)
PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — The first Barangay Consumer Center in Nueva Ecija has been officially opened in Palayan City, marking a significant step in strengthening consumer protection at the community level.
Located in Barangay Santolan, the center was established through the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Nueva Ecija Consumer Affairs Advocacy Association and the local government of Palayan.
DTI Nueva Ecija Acting Provincial Director Gerardo Maglalang said the facility aims to make government services more accessible by providing assistance to residents with consumer-related concerns.
Through the center, consumers can seek help in filing complaints against business establishments, receive information about their rights and responsibilities, and gain guidance in resolving consumer issues.
The center will also serve as a reliable source of information to help residents make smarter and more responsible purchasing decisions.
Maglalang added that the Barangay Consumer Center will serve as a pilot initiative that could be replicated in other barangays and local government units across the country.
“This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to bringing responsive, inclusive, and accessible services closer to the people,” he said.
The project is expected to benefit residents from different puroks and sitios, especially those in remote areas who may find it difficult to access government offices.
With the collaboration of government agencies, consumer advocacy groups, and local government units, the center reflects a shared effort to promote fair trade practices and empower consumers at the grassroots level. (PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)