It is hard to understand why, three years after the law was passed, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labelling Act of 2013, have not been released.
As the Eco-Waste Coalition constantly reminds us, many toys and games contain hazardous parts or substances that may cause sickness, even death, among children.
Eco-Waste has partnered with the new Laban Konsyumer, Inc. (LKI) to demand the immediate promulgation of the toy safety law so that manufacturers and importers can be held accountable and liable for whatever harmful contents their products contain.
LKI, according to a newspaper report, is headed by former Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba as president. I hope this means we will now have an honest-to-goodness organization fighting for the rights of consumers.
The only real consumer group I knew was Sr. Mary John Mananzan’s Citizens Alliance for Consumer Protection, which does not seem to be active anymore.
Eco-Waste Coalition has helped protect consumers by focusing on products’ environmental impact and health hazards. But we need an organization that will look into everything related to consumers’ rights and protection. Consumers do not only need protection from poor quality and hazardous products but also from unsatisfactory service; short-changing, overpricing and other forms of cheating; deceptive advertising and labeling and so many more.
Dimagiba was the Department of Trade and Industry’s go-to guy for consumer issues, so he should know whereof he speaks.
Christmas treats
Two Ayala properties, Nuvali in Laguna and Alviera’s SandBox in Porac, Pampanga, are making the holiday season merrier for its regular patrons and guests.
Nuvali, which straddles the towns of Santa Rosa, Calamba and Cabuyao, is treating visitors to a free lights-and-sounds show, its first. The “Magical Field of Lights,” ongoing until Jan. 8, is like watching the instant blooming of a thousand multicolor tulips swaying to two five-minute medleys. It runs every 30 minutes, 6-10 p.m. daily.
The field also features a 50-meter long light tunnel, Christmas trees and dandelion light installation. A Christmas fair offers traditional Filipino Christmas treats like bibingka, puto bumbong and other local goods.
Jennifer Chua, Nuvali marketing manager, said Ayala wanted to bring its one-of-a-kind holiday treat to the south so more communities could enjoy it.
Meanwhile, Sandbox, which is becoming a popular destination for city residents eager to release their hidden warrior self, is extending its operating hours till 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
SandBox’s attractions include the Giant Swing, the country’s tallest; Aerial Walk Challenge, a high rope adventure course of nets and rope walkways; Avatar One, the Philippines’ first roller-coaster zipline; Adventure Tower, a five-story structure for rappelling, wall climbing, etc.; ATV and UTV rides; and Outdoor Archery.
The adventure park, according to Chua, has become a favorite destination of young adults and families, with half of the clientele coming all the way from Metro Manila.
80 years of Aristocrat
Aristocrat restaurant, a top choice venue for marking family, corporate and other milestones, has launched its yearlong 80th anniversary celebration. Opened in 1936, Aristocrat has become a Manila landmark, still a favorite among locals and Filipinos who now live overseas.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected]
