Acceptance of Chairmanship, Presentation of CWM Theme, and ClosingUsec. Raul B. Aguilos, CESO IIITurn Over Ceremony-Consumer Welfare Month9:00 – 9:30 a.m.Tuesday, 22 July 2014Training Room, Multipurpose Bldg., Taguig City

Good morning to all our distinguished guests.

As our pledge of commitment and acceptance of

DOE’s Chairmanship and hosting of the 2014

Consumer Welfare Month, please allow me to read:

(Read the Pledge)

Now that the turn-over has been formalized, let me

quote businessman James Cash Penney who once

said, “Responsibilities are given to him on whom

trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of

trust.”

Today, we have witnessed not just the assumption

of responsibilities handed over by the Department

of Health (DOH) to the Department of Energy

(DOH) in hosting this year’s Consumer Welfare

Month, but also earning the trust of consumers on

their government - the trust to which their rights

are safeguarded and satisfaction are achieved, as

we are the medium for the fulfillment of total

consumer protection and empowerment.

For the 2014 Consumer Welfare Month, we will

utilize the power of knowledge by equipping our

consumers with vital information in making sound

purchasing decisions and practicing efficient habits

especially in using energy. Thus, the theme,

“Sapat na Impormasyon: Susi sa Wastong

Paggamit ng Enerhiya,” as you see on the screen.

Leveraging on the utilization of information

technology to achieve healthier consumption

habits, and addressing the rising energy demand

by managing energy consumption, the DOE

introduced two valuable tools through these

websites: www.kuryente.org.ph and

www.wattmatters.org.ph.

The www.kuryente.org.ph provides the average

electricity rates in specific areas. It also gives basic

information on how electricity is produced and

distributed for the use of the consuming public.

The unbundled components of the electricity bill

and the necessary information for better

understanding the dynamics of the power market

are also explained in this website.

On the other hand, the www.wattmatters.org.ph

supports the decision-making process of the

consuming public in making intelligent choices by

showing the wattage ratings and efficiency of

every electric appliance that they wish to buy.

Objectively, these websites will make every

consumer more aware of their rights and

responsibilities. Utilizing information technology

systems is just one of the initiatives that the DOE

has undertaken to provide the much needed

information for the benefit of the Filipino

consumers. We hope that you will find time to visit

these sites, and make good use of the information

therein.

Moreover, apart from these websites, we continue

to reassure our consumers that DOE pursues

programs to further promote their welfare.

Recently, the DOE held its inaugural meeting for

the Task Force for Fair Electricity Price last June

18. The Task Force was organized to look into

several proposals from energy stakeholders,

including but not limited to business and consumer

sectors, on how to determine the fair price of

electricity that will benefit all.

On the sidelight, the DOE also conducts various

information, education, and communication

campaigns around the country to promote the

programs and initiatives of the DOE in its thrust

towards energy security and sustainability.

As this year’s host, the DOE will proactively

engage consumers in its programs and projects,

and all participating government agencies towards

our mutual goal of achieving a brighter future for

our consumers; founded under the principles of

sustainability and efficiency that have been

reinforced by the power of information.

On behalf of the Department of Energy and

Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, again it is with

great pride that we accept the responsibility of

hosting this year’s Consumer Welfare Month, and I

thank you all for your honored presence in this

momentous turnover ceremony.

Thank you. Mabuhay po tayong lahat!