On 17 Oct. 2012, PAGASA held its 3Q General Meeting at the UCC Coffee Cafe Terrace at the Forbes Town Center inside Bonifacio Global City. Concerns on Consolidation of the Retail Industry, Ordinances on Ban/Regulation of Plastic Bags, No Vehicle Ban on Delivery Trucks for Basic Necessities during Calamities, Sin Taxes, recent Conference Learning Points and others were discussed that dusk. Members proceeded to attend the Induction Ceremony of new Officers/Directors of the Phil. Confectionery, Biscuit & Snack Food Association (PCBSA) at the Manila Polo Club. President-elect Reynaldo Go of Columbia Candy Factory poses with PAGASA Members for a souvenir shot at the end of the function.

For 2012, DTI prepared a m ajor function to welcome the Consumer Welfare Month Celebration on 11 Oct.  At Function Room 3 of the SMX, Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III officially gave the Keynote Address in highlighting Consumer Welfare at the Event.  STC had a picture taken at one of the exhibition booths with National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) Chairman Pepito Jose and Exec. Dir. Velma Lim (both in white) as well as other Members of the Council.

DTI’s Bureau of Trade Regulations & Consu mer Protection (BTRCP) is in charge of drafting the new Order rationalizing fines for the revised Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Law on Standards as deliberated in Congress.  The Draft Order cites the responsibilities of Manu- facturers, Distributors/Wholesalers and Retailers and corresponding penalties if these sectors are found guilty of violating consumer’s rights and welfare, of carrying products/services that have a negative effect on national economy or the fiscal interest of a consumer or of selling products/services that have a negative effect on life, health & safety of consumers. Gerardo Calderon handled the multi-sectoral forum.

Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2012 was launched on 4 Oct. 2012 and PAGASA was represented at the event.  It is PAGASA's 14th year as a Co-operator of the biggest Agri-business Tradeshow in the country (PAGASA acted as Chair of the 2007 edition of the Show). PAGASA's STC is also sworn in as the Chairman for Agri-Supermarkets of the Phil. Chamber of Agriculture and Fisheries, Inc. by Dept. of Agriculture Sec. Prospero Alcala at the same event.  This year's event was swarming with exhibitors, guests and visitors.