This blog post explores how recent research from OPSS is contributing to shaping inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is the UK's national product regulator, yet our commitment to research and impact extends far beyond our borders. Through The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP), OPSS is leading on work to foster economic growth and tackle development barriers alongside ASEAN member states.
Delivering Change through the Role of OPSS in the Regulatory Reform Pillar
As the delivery lead for the Regulatory Reform Pillar (RRp) within the four-year UK-ASEAN Economic Integration Programme, OPSS has recently undertaken research to identify best practices for establishing pro-consumer institutional frameworks in the Philippines. The research reviews current challenges, the role of consumer organisations, issues in e-commerce and offers tailored recommendations to empower consumers and build safer markets. This work is informing the design, implementation, and evaluation of reforms that put consumers first. This has also guided the development of a Philippines specific implementation toolkit, to support translating these recommendations into practical action.
Why focus on the Philippines?
OPSS has been involved in research to support the broader ASEAN economic community. This research focused on the Philippines as according to the ASEAN Consumer Empowerment Index (ACEI) 2020, consumer awareness and access to redress mechanisms in the country remain moderate. As the Filipino government expressed a desire to better engage with consumer organisations and to improve consumer empowerment scores, this research aims to strengthen consumer protection in the Philippines.
What did the research find?
The research provides key recommendations for the Philippines government to support consumers in the region, including:
- Bridging the Knowledge-Action Gap: Provide practical education initiatives to help consumers understand and assert their rights, as well as accessing redress mechanisms when needed.
- Enhancing Enforcement Credibility: Strengthen enforcement of penalties to build consumer confidence, trust and encourage complaints.
- Fostering Collective Consumer Action: Raise the profile of consumer organisations to foster collective action for greater impact.
- Tailoring for Vulnerabilities: Develop product safety policies tailored to the specific needs of at-risk groups.
- Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships: Consider joint consumer education campaigns involving both government and private sector partners.
- Modernising for the Digital Economy: Modernise surveillance capabilities, enhance international cooperation and raise awareness of online shopping risks through consumer education.
- Strategic Alignment with ASEAN and Global Norms: Ensure national reforms are aligned with ASEAN and global consumer protection benchmarks.
What’s next?
Following publication of the research, this March OPSS will support a formal launch event for the research and accompanying toolkit. This event will be for the relevant government agencies as well as consumer organisations representing all 17 provinces across the Philippines. This activity will socialise findings and seek commitment from stakeholders to implement recommendations.
A shared vision for inclusive growth
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, reflected on the wider context of the research:
“The Regulatory Reform pillar of the ASEAN Economic Integration Programme is providing evidenced-based recommendations to work with our ASEAN partners to develop interventions that can improve consumer product safety and thereby improve consumer protection across ASEAN.”
Interested in learning more?
Read the full research report to discover how OPSS and its partners are shaping a more equitable future for consumers across Southeast Asia. You can also check out our other research publications, including on gender inclusive regulatory reforms, here.
Are you passionate about consumer rights or working within the ASEAN community?
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