The College of Management and Business Technology (CMBT), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry–Nueva Ecija and Dong Nai Technology University (Vietnam), joined the national celebration of Consumer Welfare Month 2025 through a two-day activity held on October 29–30, 2025, at Nieto Hall, Sumacab Campus.

The event aimed to promote consumer rights and advocate fair and honest business practices.

In her opening message, Dr. Sarah Alvarez, Dean of the College of Management and Business Technology, emphasized the importance of educating the public about consumer rights and empowering individuals to make informed and safe choices.

“As consumers, we should know our rights and learn to make informed and safe choices. Kapag empowered ang consumers, mas nagiging maayos, patas, at ligtas ang ating marketplace,” she said.

During her talk on fair trade laws, consumer rights, and responsibilities, Ms. Teresita Evangelista, Trade Industry Development Specialist from DTI–Nueva Ecija, highlighted the vital role of consumers in sustaining businesses and the importance of being aware of one’s rights.

“As consumers, tayo ang pinakamahalagang asset ng negosyo. Kapag walang consumer, walang negosyo. Dapat nating unawain ang ating karapatan sa basic needs tulad ng pagkain, tirahan, kalusugan, edukasyon, at kalinisan,” she stressed.

She also reminded the participants to prioritize essential needs, check product quality and labels, and avoid panic buying during crises, assuring them that government agencies are always ready to provide support.

Following her presentation, Dr. Olive Chester Antonio, Dean of the College of Public Administration and Disaster Management, emphasized the importance of preparedness for both businesses and consumers in disaster-prone countries like the Philippines.

Dr. Antonio explained the country’s high vulnerability due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and Typhoon Belt.

“In a country as disaster-prone as the Philippines, businesses must prioritize disaster risk management to protect their operations and the consumers they serve,” she said.

She added that resilient enterprises protect lives and livelihoods, build public trust, and ensure long-term sustainability, underscoring that emergency planning is essential for survival and continuity.

The afternoon session featured Dr. Shabaz Masih from DNTU–Vietnam and Dr. Lussia Mariesty Andriany from Institut Asia–Indonesia, who shared global best practices in risk management based on the Vietnam and Indonesia contexts, respectively.

Day two began with a Unity Dance, followed by a trade fair where students were given the opportunity to sell various products from their respective student societies.

This was followed by the HTM Skills Olympics, featuring Mixology and Table Napkin Folding competitions.

Gerald Calumba emerged as the champion in Mixology, while Daniah Auigen Sincioco was crowned champion in the Table Napkin category.

The event concluded with the Consumer Welfare Month Ambassador and Ambassadress Competition, where James Javate from the Student Association of Responsible Tourism and Travel was crowned Ambassador, and Anne Margarette Santin from the Business Process Outsourcing Society was named Ambassadress.

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