Quarter 1

Health 10
Lesson 1 – Health Commodities

When you buy something, you must keep in mind that there are consequences for what you do. It is your
responsibility to evaluate health information, health products, and health services before acquiring them. Before
choosing, you must first know what your options are.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION
• Why is it important to be sure about the efficiency of health commodities?

What is health information?

Health information are data, facts, and details regarding health that are disseminated from a source to a
receiver. They may be factual and scientific or hypothetical and opinion-based. Examples of health information include
nutrition facts, medical test results, and health trivia. You gather health information primarily from health
professionals, published works, and mass media.

What are health products?

Health products are any merchandise that directly impact one's health. In essence, they are sold,
purchased, and consumed to aid in bringing about optimum state of health. Examples of these are: fruits, vegetables,
vitamin supplements, medicine, exercise equipment, sanitizers, and similar items. Health products may be readily
available in stores and hospitals or specifically created for an individual.

What are health services?

Health services are types of assistance or treatments that are provided for people to develop or maintain
a good state of health. Examples of health services are physical therapy, counseling, medical examinations or
check-ups, and the like. These services are executed by health professionals or done under their close supervision.

Not all health information, products, and services scan be trusted. There are health commodities that may not
deliver the results promised or worse, may cause harm to your health and well-being. It is important to make wise and
informed decisions in choosing health commodities.

Guidelines and Criteria for Selecting and Evaluating Health Commodities

1. Background check
Make sure your sources are either licensed professionals of a relevant field, articles from an established
publishing group, or products from a respected brand or label.
2. Counter check
Check for consistency with statements of other health professionals, ask for second opinions, and survey for
satisfaction ratings.
3. Compare and contrast
Examine its similarity and difference from other information, products and services to highlight the most
practical and reasonable option.
4. Follow instructions
Even the best products and services may wind up useless if you take matters into your own hands. Most
commodities can only assure utmost quality if a specific set of procedures is followed.
5. Tailor fit
What worked best for your parents, siblings, friends, or teachers will not necessarily have the same effect on
you. Choose the proper information, product, and service that will fit your own needs.

Get to know the important terms that can help you better understand this lesson.
information - knowledge that you get about someone or something: facts or details about a subject
commodity - something useful and with value that is sold and bought
evaluation - to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way

CRITICAL IDEA
• Health commodities must be carefully selected and checked to avoid compromising one's health and well-being
Lesson 2 – Health Professionals, Health Facilities, Healthcare Plans and Financial Systems

Sometimes, choosing the easy and convenient option does not necessarily promise a good end result.
Wherever you are in a tight situation or confronted with a dilemma, what factors help you decide?

ESSENTIAL QUESTION
• What are the benefits of knowing the different health professionals and workers as well as the health care
facilities in one’s community?

Health Professionals

Health professionals are individuals who garner specialized education, training, and the necessary license to
provide appropriate preventive, curative, and optimizing health services.
According to the International Standard Classification of Occupations, a worldwide organization that classifies
professional occupations, all health professionals are categorized as follows:

1. Specialist and Generalist Medical Doctors

These are individuals who have successfully accomplished their post-graduate degree in the medical field. A
medical doctor's main responsibilities are diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of threats to the well-being of
patients. They may specialize on a certain disease, physical impairment, or healthcare need.

2. Nursing Professionals
Nurses are professionals who have completed specialized training in their field. That sole is to provide treatment
and care to patients. They are also the primary source of support.

3. Midwifery Professionals
These professionals are trained to provide care for pregnant women and newborn babies. Their responsibilities
start even before pregnancy and ends after childbirth. They provide support, assess risks, and perform needed
practices in aid of the mother and child.

4. Traditional and Complementary Medicine Professionals

These are competent professionals with an extensive knowledge of traditional and complementary medicine.
Their treatment procedures are usually culture-based and dependent on certain belief systems, unlike
mainstream medical practitioners.

5. Paramedical Practitioners
Training of paramedics are completed at tertiary level. They are involved in diagnostic, curative, and preventive
health measures. Unlike other professionals though, paramedical practitioners usually work under close
monitoring of medical doctors.

6. Dentists
Dentists are responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of threats to oral health.

7. Pharmacists
Unlike medical professionals who are concerned with procedures directly involving the patients, the main
responsibilities of pharmacists are to monitor and dispense medicine. Furthermore, they may provide additional
procedural instructions beyond what is specified on the prescription.

8. Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professionals

The scope of the responsibility of environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals are mainly
with the environment. The main concern of these health professionals are to promote, ensure, and boost the
health status of the entire community. Part of their role is to create, pro-mote, and implement community
activities and programs to lessen threats to community health.

9. Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists are mainly concerned with the motor functions of the patient. It is their role to provide therapy
to rehabilitate and maximize the necessary movements needed for the patient to satisfactorily go about their
day. In most cases, they try to rehabilitate motor functions that have undergone trauma due to accidents or
illnesses.

10. Dieticians and Nutritionists

The practice of dieticians and nutritionists are specialized and individualized. They assess the current health
status of their patient and note the excess or lack of certain nutrients in their system. Dieticians and nutritionists
then device meal plans to make sure that the patients get the optimum amount of nutrients that their bodies
need on a daily basis to improve their health.

11. Audiologists and Speech Therapists

Audiologists and speech therapists require higher forms of training. Their primary concern involves the auditory
and speech functions of the patient, which are usually interrelated. They may prescribe necessary devices to
improve the said sensory functions or conduct therapy to bring these functions back to its optimal state.

12. Optometrists and Ophthalmic Opticians

Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians are professionals who ensure the safety, health, and functionality of
one's vision. They provide advise on how to implement measures to ensure proper care of the eyes. They also
provide necessary treatment and perform essential procedures to boost and rehabilitate visual function. In
addition, they prescribe specialized optical aids to help improve eyesight and minimize optical disturbance.

Health Facilities
There is a saying that goes, "Different strokes for different folks." Do you know what this means? There seems
to be no specific size that fits all. There are specialized needs that can to be addressed through specific means. For
health concerns, here are the health facilities that cater to various needs.

1. Hospitals
Hospitals are specialized institutions or establishments that cater to the health concerns of patients
from emergency cases to chronic illnesses to therapy sessions. These make hospitals the most intricate
healthcare structures. In some societies, to be considered a hospital, there is a need for specialized equipment
and at least thirty beds. The health professionals discussed earlier in the lesson mostly work in a hospital.
 2. Clinics
Clinics are essentially smaller hospitals. They also cater to a variety of health concerns and have
different health professionals at any given time. However, unlike hospitals, clinics are usually just for out-patient
care. There are also specialized types of clinics that are specifically run by one kind of health professional who
attends only to a certain set of health concerns. Examples are dental clinics, EENT (eyes, ears, nose, throat)
clinics, eye clinics, and the like.

3. Local Health Care Centers

In the Philippines, each municipality or barangay has a health center. This is usually a local health
facility where residents of the municipality are provided free or subsidized health care. Health facilities are
especially well-known for the free vaccines offered to children. Health professionals in health care centers are
often compensated by the government. Specialized treatment or complex diagnosis are usually referred to
hospitals for further examination and treatment.

4. Psychiatric Facilities
While most of the health facilities mentioned are mostly concerned with physical health, there are
psychiatric facilities that specialize on the mental and emotional health of people. Patients who undergo
psychiatric help may be voluntarily seeking professional assistance or are required to undergo such. Health
professionals in psychiatric clinics are psychologists and psychiatrists who are medical specialists.

5. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes cater to specific patients, usually elderly individuals, who can no longer care for
themselves and have no one to care for them at home. Nursing homes in the Philippines are also called 'home
for the aged' based on the nature of its purpose. In facilities like this, the elderly are made to interact with one
another, are provided healthy meals, and are assisted in their daily routines. They are also encouraged to
involve themselves in the like different activities such as painting, puzzle-making, simple exercises, and the like.

Healthcare Plans and Financing Systems

Getting sick and trying to get well cost a lot of money, but so do preventing illnesses and staying healthy. The
reality is maintaining optimum health does not come free. Fortunately, there are ways by which one can prepare for
unforeseen events and lessen the burden and stress that come with being sick.
PhilHealth is the national health insurance program. Its primary aim is to make quality healthcare accessible
for all Filipinos. Given this, the insurance program of the country subsidizes or covers all of the health care expenses of
a Filipino patient. All employees from the private and public sector are deducted a certain percentage of their income
monthly to become Philheath members. This is what the organization uses to fund them.
The coverage of the help that PhilHealth shoulders range from medicine, surgical procedures, hospital rooms,
and other such expenses. They cover the working class, the family and dependents of the working class, the senior
citizens, the informal settlers, and the indigent Filipinos.
Health Maintenance Organizations or HMOs provide a similar benefit as that of PhilHealth. The difference
between the two is primarily the ownership. PhilHealth is a public organization while HMOs are private insurance
companies.
For someone to benefit from an HMO, the individual must apply for membership and pay a premium, the amount
of which depends on the coverage. The premium will fund the HMO to subsidize part or all of your medical expenses
including doctor's fees, hospital room, medicines, and medical procedures.

CRITICAL IDEA
• A health emergency can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing where to go and whom to seek help from can be
lifesaving. It also saves time, effort and money.
Lesson 3 – Don’t Fall For Quackery

People often want quick and easy solutions to their problems, and so many fall blindly victims to false promises.
Why do you think is it human nature to just look for the easiest way out?

Now you know that you are not alone in your quest to ensure, not only your health, but the health of your family
as well. But admittedly, there can be threats to that as well. There will be people and organizations that will try to entice
you into believing things that are untrue. In terms of health care, this practice is called quackery.

Quackery is the act and process of benefiting from other people, through monetary or non-monetary means
while assuring them a false claim in re-turn. This can be people selling you fake medicines, organizations assuring you
a speedy recovery that never happens, or individuals asking you to pay for procedures that do not benefit you at all.

It is important to be aware that quacks do exist and there is a need to be vigilant against them. Here are some of the
rampant quackery schemes in the country.

There are three main types of quackery: medical, nutrition, and device quackery.

• Medical Quackery is essentially lying to patients and their families to believe in health care solutions that do
not hold true or are yet to be proven and tested.
• Nutritional Quackery is providing misinformation about the nutritional value and health effects of food and
products. They often claim a simple, fast, and easy solution to health problems by including a single product or
nutrient into one's diet.
• Device Quackery is the selling and distribution of products that claim to be effective in battling one or all health
concerns. They sell devices such as bracelets, specialized belts, massagers, and other gadgets that have no
direct impact on improving the health condition of the individual using them.

Nowadays, quacks have mixed and matched these three types of quackery and have come up with even more kinds.

1. Claims that are “Too Good to Be True"

Most of the time, if something is too good to be true, it probably is not. Beware of claims that assure
you of a quick and easy cure to cancer, or an instant way to lose or gain weight. If an expensive
medication is being sold for half the price it is most likely fake. Therapy that seems too easy to even be
effective will likely not work. These are examples of false claims that can get you into deeper trouble. If
it already seems out of what is practically acceptable, why do you think people still fall prey to these
persuasions?
2. Misleading anecdotes and testimonials
If a famous personality, whose career may or may not be related to the topic he or she speaks of, talks
about a great discovery or experience with a product, people tend to believe. People should be more
skeptical about such things especially when these are paid commercials where the personality is a
talent and paid of fee to endorse a product. It is important to learn how to process information and verify
facts before believing in them.
3. Fraud
Much like the earlier example, if someone claims to be a professional and makes claims on his or her
field of expertise, people are likely to listen. If someone uses technical jargon, especially in the field of
medicine, the initial reaction of some people is to be impressed. It is important to make sure that you
are dealing with actual health professionals. Look for proof like a diploma, license number, and other
such material evidence. Medical practitioners are also usually connected with one or more medical
institutions.
4. Mystical Conspiracy
In a country of varying belief systems, it is important to carefully draw the line between respecting other
people's beliefs and falling prey to quackery. Be cautious around those who claim that common
illnesses are caused by supernatural causes, or the unseen.
5. Natural and Organic Claims
At this day and age, health-conscious individuals usually go for the more natural and organic products.
There is no opposing the benefits of that. Just remember, not all treatments and products branded as
natural and organic are actually so. Some products may contain both natural and artificial ingredients.
In addition, not all natural and organic products are healthy for you. Remember, rice is natural and
organic but too much of it could cause weight gain, heart problems, and other health issues. In addition,
prohibited drugs like opium and marijuana are also natural and organic as they come from plants.
6. Trial runs
There are instances when it is easy to get discouraged from the absence of a sure and convenient
means to maintain or improve one's health, or the health of loved ones. It is important, however, not to
let this cloud your better judgement. Trial runs and experimental medication and procedures may do
more harm than good. There is a reason that they have not been released in the consumer market.
Though some may actually produce the desired effects, the risks to one's health and safety outweigh
the benefits.

Now that you know how to detect quacks, what will you do? Whenever you feel like an incident of quackery is
in play, it is ideal that you immediately report this to the authorities. If not for your-self, do it for others who might be
potential victims.

In the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)regulates and oversees all sales and trade of
information, products, and services. There are regional and provincial offices that you can go to. They even send
representatives in malls. DTI even has a website, http://www.dti.gov.pb , where contact information can be found and
queries can be posted.

It is also important that you inform adults, your parents or guardians, when transacting with different businesses,
agencies, and service providers. They can be your first line of defense against unscrupulous individuals or groups who
prey on the young.

Harmful Physical and Psychological Effects of Quackery

Anyone can fall victim to quackery especially in the absence of proper care and vigilance. When this happens, it is
important to recognize warning signs so that they can be addressed immediately.

1. Physical Side Effects

The possible side effects for fake or unverified treatments are very dangerous. These side effects are
the primary cause of extensive testing before medicines are widely accepted. Some of these effects are:
• Allergies • infection of communicable diseases
• muscle pain • death
• organ failure • fatigue
• paralysis
2. Emotional and Psychological Side Effects
Some forms of treatment may work best for your body but may alter your hormones and your brain
function. In cases like this, a variety of ill effects are possible. Each treatment and each medicine taken may
alter the body system. It is best to be on the safe side. Some examples of emotional and psychological side
effects are:
• mood swings
• hormone imbalance
• hallucination
• aggression
• tendencies of self-harm
• depression
3. Trust Issues

People who are victims of fraud may develop trust issues. For some, this may be limited to the actual
medical situation and the people involved. Others, however, tend to generalize their unfortunate experience. In
this case, it will be difficult for them to find the proper care when the need arises.
Lesson 4 – Herbal Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Healthcare Modalities

There are two extreme beliefs about natural and organic products. There are those who trust that they are the best and
only means of providing proper and optimal health. Others believe that these are merely old and outdated rituals that
have resisted to go with the times. It is best to strike a balance between these beliefs by knowing which natural herbal
medicines are accepted by health officials and experts in the Philippines.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• How do alternative herbal medication benefit the body?

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines are plants or plant parts that are used to provide therapeutic effects. They may be consumed,
processed, or simply applied externally. In the Philippines, there are ten herbal medicines approved by the Department
of Health (DOH). The following are the 10 DOH-approved herbal medicines:

1. Acapulco is a shrub easily found all over the Philippines. This is because the said plant thrives in tropical
climate.
Parts used: seeds, leaves, flowers
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of eczema, insect bites, ring worms, allergic reactions
Method of Administration: juice or syrup from extract, external patching, mouthwash, ointment

2. Bitter gourd better known locally as ampalaya, is well known as a vegetable in the Philippines. It is a vine
and its fruit is usually the first vegetable that comes to mind when the adjective "bitter" is mentioned.
Parts used: fruit, leaves
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of liver problems, pancreatic diseases, blood sugar, cough, cold,
stomach ache
Method of Administration: juice or syrup from extract, vegetable as part of daily meals, poultice
3. Garlic is a popular vegetable spice in Filipino dishes. It is used for fried rice, sautéing food, marinating meat,
and others. It gives added umami flavor to each dish which Filipinos love. There is, however, more to garlic
than being a taste enhancer. It has medicinal values as well.
Parts used: bulb
Medical/Health Benefits: antioxidant that reduces risks of cancer, lowers cholesterol, enhances digestion,
improves blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure
Method of Administration: Incorporated in food (crushed, chopped, shredded), fried as chips
4. Guava is a green fleshy fruit in the Philippines. The famous story of Juan Tamad is located under a guava
tree. There was even once a myth about the guava that involved a character named Bay from the Abas
family, thus the fruits name in
Parts used: fruits, leaves
Medical/Health Benefits: Used as antiseptic and to strengthen the immune system
Method of Administration: Used as external antiseptic, juice from extract, mouthwash, or by chewing the
leaves
5. Five-Leaved Chaste Tree or simply Lagundi is currently gaining popularity as an herbal medicine in the
country. You may be familiar with several food supplements in the Philippines. It is also the go-to herbal
medicine of singers and other professionals who need to take good care of their voice.
Parts used: seeds, roots, flowers, leaves, barks
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of cough, cold, Au,
throat problems and irritation, asthma
Method of Administration: tea from extract
6. Chinese Honeysuckle or niyog-niyogan is a fruit-bearing vine. It is said to be called niyog-niyogan because
its taste is similar to that of coconut or niyog. This plant is also said to be endemic in the Philippines.
Parts used: fruits, seeds, roots
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of intestinal worms, digestive problems, boils and headache
Method of Administration: Used as juice from extract, mouthwash, or external application; seeds can be
dried into nuts and eaten.
7. Blumea Balsamifera is from Thai and Chinese origin. In the Philippines, it is called sambong. Because of its
proven therapeutic effect, commercial companies have developed oral medication with sambong as the main
ingredient.
Parts used: leaves, roots
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of excess water retention, detoxification, high blood pressure,
pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), stomach pain, sore throat, kidney failure, wounds
Method of Administration: Taken as tea from extract, external application, decoction
8. Wild Tea or Tsaang Gubat is named as such because it can easily grow in the wild with minimal
maintenance. In the olden times, it was used primarily as antiseptic for wounds especially by women who
have just undergone childbirth.
Parts with therapeutic effect: leaves
Medical/Health Benefits: Cures or protects against dysentery, diarrhea, external inflammations, diabetes,
wounds
Method of Administration: Used or consumed in the form of tea from extract, mouthwash, external
application
9. Pansit-pansitan, also known as clear weed, silver bush, shiny bush, Cao hu jiao or ulasimang bato; it is a
fleshy edible herb that grows in the wild especially in damp and dark Parts used: leaves, stem
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of boils, wounds, skin inflammation, arthritis, gout, headache,
renal problems
Method of Administration: drink from extract or external application
10. Peppermint or simply Mint is more well-known as an added spice or flavoring.
Parts used: leaves
Medical/Health Benefits: For the treatment of cold, cough, fu, nausea, vomiting, rhinitis, cavities, halitosis,
indigestion, pain reliever, irritable bowel movement
Method of Administration: tea from extract as flavoring in food or oil from extract

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare Modalities

Complementary and alternative medicine are health practices used parallel to or in place of the more widely
accepted medical practices. Most complementary and alternative medicine are unique to a particular culture. Some may
also be related to the predominant belief of the members of the community, or based on what plants thrive in one's area.

Acupuncture
 Acupuncture has long been a method of therapy in Chinese culture. Although the practice of acupuncture
originated in China, the term acupuncture itself has etymological roots from acus which means needle and punctura
which means to prick or to puncture.

How does it work?

The process of acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles in the acupuncture points of the patient's
body. These acupuncture points differ based on the disease or infirmity that needs to be addressed. The belief is that
through the needle insertions on specific parts of the skin, the proper flow of the qi chi or life energy is restored to its
optimal state. Among the conditions remedied by acupuncture are:

• cold
• muscle pain
• respiratory ailments
• headache
• organ failure
• menstrual pain and irregularities
• heart ailment
• oral problems
• stroke
• gastrointestinal diseases

Ventosa or Cupping Therapy

Ventosa is usually offered in spas and salons as another type of massage therapy. Ventosa was popularized
by the Chinese although studies show a strong possibility that the cupping therapy may have been used in Ancient
Egypt.

How does it work?

In Ventosa therapy, glass cups are used to suction part of the skin. The process is said to regulate the blood flow
of the individual. The suction process itself is a special skill in which a cotton ball is set on fire underneath the cup and
above the skin. The reaction of the hot and cold air causes the suction effect. Since this therapeutic practice has a very
strong Chinese influence, it is also believed that the cupping process heals by revitalizing the proper flow of qi. Some
of the conditions that can be remedied through this form of therapy are:

• asthma

• muscle pain and muscle fatigue

• high blood pressure

• stress

• flu

• cough

• common cold

• poor blood circulation

• toxins in the blood

• respiratory ailment
Reflexology

Reflexology is described by others as a simple foot massage. Just like ven-tosa, reflexology roots can be traced
back to Ancient China and Egypt. It is believed that reflexology was once used primarily to reduce stress and address
psychological problems.

How does it work?

Reflexologists say that the feet hold pressure points that connect to most of the body's vital organs. Through these
pressure points, the feet serves as an external connector for therapists to restore and revitalize the normal functions of the
internal organs. With this in mind, massaging the feet of a person treats several internal ailments. It is believed that the right
foot is connected to the right side of the human body and the left foot corresponds to the left side.

The following are some of the conditions which can be treated with the help of reflexology.

What conditions are remedied by reflexology?

• cardiovascular diseases
• high blood pressure
• lung problems
• muscle and joint pain
• kidney ailments
• sleep disorders
• stress
• headache
• anxiety
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• depression

Naturopathy

Naturopathy, as the name suggests, banks on the healing power of na-ture. Its roots can be traced back to Ancient
Greek civilization although, this alternative form of therapy was popularized in Latin America.

Naturopathy is said to work most effectively when combined with other forms of alternative treatment already How
does it work?

There are a variety of naturopathy treatments, which involve ingredients and equipment that come from nature. All
forms of treatment under naturopathy aim to boost the body's natural capacity to heal itself. There is a strong belief among
naturopathists that the body is designed to be resilient and thus can eventually regain its optimal state on its own or through
natural remedies.

Naturopathy involves homeopathy, herbal medication, counselling, diet alteration, and lifestyle improvement.

What conditions are remedied by naturopathy? high toxin content of the body

• weight problems
• gastrointestinal problems
• poor immunity
• sleep disorders
• cough
• anxiety
• common cold
• muscle pain
• malnutrition

CRITICAL IDEA

Some of the advantages of using herbal medicine include reduced risks of side effects and lower costs than
traditional medicines. In addition, they can be effective as alternative treatment for chronic ailments that do not respond to
traditional medicines.
Lesson 5 – Consumer Law and Consumer Protection

Consumer Law

In each country, state, or region, there are laws that regulate business and protect consumers. Consumer laws are
prescriptions in the constitution of a country that specifically indicate the duties and responsibilities of a consumer.
 No local rule, store management policy, or under-the-table transaction can displace the rulings of the said law.

Consumer laws are not one-sided. As much as they protect the consumers, they also make sure that business
owners, retailers, and entrepreneurs are not put at a disadvantage.

Consumer Protection

Consumer protection is the proper interpretation and implementation of the consumer law.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

• Who is responsible for consumer protection?

Importance of Consumer Protection

Everyone is a consumer. Even a businessman deals with suppliers as a consumer. Thus, everyone benefits from consumer
protection. Here's how.

• Fairness
Consumer protection promotes fairness. The laws should be implemented in such a way that each party
gets what they deserve. This means that implementation of the law should hold true no matter the number of parties,
socio-economic status, power, and influence.
• Risk Management
With a clear law available for all, risks are minimized. All parties, whether business professionals or
consumers, know their rights and responsibilities. Both parties know what is required and expected of them.
• Truth and transparency
Each party is held accountable for the truth. Deception or fraudulent acts such as false claims, overuse of
propaganda, or overpricing are easily discerned and tracked.
• Government Intervention
The local and national government can play a hand in assuring quality satisfaction. The government itself
may protect the disadvantaged party on any violation of the provisions of the consumer law.

In the Philippines, there are several agencies in-charge of business and consumer regulation.

1. Department of Health (DOH) - This is the agency involved in making sure that all health products (food, drugs, herbal
medicine, devices) are fit for consumption.

The DOH is mainly in charge of consumer goods that can directly affect the health of consumers such as medicine,
food products, medical services, and the like.

It is their mission that by 2030, the country will be able to guarantee equitable, sustainable and, quality health for
all Filipinos, especially the poor, and to lead the quest for excellence in health.

Furthermore, it is this government arm that came up with the list of ten herbal medicines in the Philippines that have
proven their efficacy in the field of medicine and therapy.

In addition, DOH-in close coordination with the Food and Drugs Administration-instituted a simple yet practical and
efficient way to protect consumers by helping them better understand what the products being purchased can actually do
to maintain or improve one's health.

Among such steps is including a vernacular translation of the label warning, "No approved therapeutic claims." This is the
Filipino sentence,“Mabalagang paalala: Ang (name of product) ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa
anomang uri ng sakit."which we now hear after every so often in multiple ads.

The website, www.doh.gov.ph ,also updates citizens of new laws, research findings, policies, and other vital
information helpful to the consumer.

2. Department of Agriculture (DA) - This agency is mostly responsible for the quality of agricultural produce such as rice,
fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry.

Another vital function of the DA is the accreditation and licensing of agricultural business programs, storage
facilities, training services, and even registration policies. This further implies that not only do they aim to ensure the quality
of all agricultural products, but also that they have gone through the proper process of growth and preparation.

They also provide assistance to farmers and fishermen to enhance processes and products. This will then ensure
that consumers can get quality goods at relatively lower prices.

They have various regional operations and monitoring services that provide as quality control for the products before
they hit the market.

The www.da.gov.ph also published applicable laws and ordinances for public consumption.

3. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - This agency makes sure there is fair trade in all transactions in the country.

The department serves as anchorage of all the consumer protection policies of the government. They assign
suggested retail prices (SRP)to staple goods such as rice, bread, sugar, meat, vegetables, and the like. SRPs are
broadcasted over the news and various forms of media. They also send officers for spot inspections to ensure these strictly
enforced.
 DTI also has an educational arm. They have infomercials online and via local channels on online transactions,
customer rights, etc. Furthermore, they have a radio show entitled Consumer Atbp. that broadcasts real-life consumer-
related concerns and other frequently asked questions or FAQs.

This government department is also quite accessible through their website, www.dti.gov.pb, which has a lot of
information and services ready for the consumer. In the said website is a published list of their e-mail addresses and other
contact information including the point persons for specific concerns.

Furthermore, there are links to all major consumer and trade and industry laws in their website for the wise and
vigilant consumer to examine and maximize.

There is also the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), under which are the following.

• Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) - As its name suggests, this agency ensures that a1l the standards set by
the country are upheld. They even benchmark with other countries that the Philippines trades with.
• Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) - This office ensures that all laws and policies are followed.
Spot checks are done in all small and large industries.
• Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) - This bureau ensures the certification and licensing of all businesses in
the country.
• Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) - This agency works hand in hand with the FTEB. They conduct
inspections to make sure that businesses are following the laws and policies, and may thus retain their licenses.
• Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) - This government agency solely focuses on the
construction industry. They make sure of the quality and durability of the products sold and used in the market, and
the qualifications of the individuals and groups involved.

Moreover, there are several non-government organizations that provide assistance to ensure and maintain that each
individual's consumer rights are upheld.

1. The Nationwide Association of Consumers, Inc. (NACI)

It is a non-government organization (NGO) that aims to protect and uphold the rights of the consumers.
They became a registered NGO in 1994 under the certification of the Security and Exchange Commission or SEC.
Almost ten years later, they broadened their horizons and got an accreditation from the DTI.
Their aim is to empower consumers through various means including researches and feasibility studies,
educational seminars, technology integration, and many more. They also assist consumers with grievances and
help see to it that their voices are heard.
2. The Consumers Union of the Philippines (CUP)
It is part of the international alliance of consumer NGOs called the Worldwide Consumers' Association.
CUP was founded in 1962 and was then known as Consumers Association of the Philippines.
Now, more than half a century later, they are one of the leading NGOs who advocate consumer rights in
the country. They invest a lot on educational talks to people from al1 walks of life, informing them of their rights and
empowering them against giant business owners who want to bypass laws for their gain.
They even extend legal advice and assistance to those in need. They expose unfair trade practices and
scams in the business.
It is also this organization that started the Annual National Consumers Award since 1973 that applauds
proper and fair trade practices in the Philippines.
3. Philippine Metrology, Standards, Testing and Quality (PhilMSTQ)
It is a non-government organization that does not only focus on the consumer but on all the involved parties
in trade and industry affairs.
They are advocating proper processes and systems in ensuring quality goods and services for the
consumers. They streamline, test, and survey new and existing products and services, and make sure that they will
benefit all stakeholders.
They also provide training programs for emerging businesses and entrepreneurs. They cater to food
products, medicine, infrastructures, and other consumer goods.

CRITICAL IDEA

Consumers are as responsible for their own protection as government agencies and non-government groups are. They
need to be aware of their rights and the agencies involved, so they can property coordinate with them.