On April 03, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque led the launch of an intensified nationwide price monitoring campaign at the Mabalacat Public Market. The visit reinforced the agency’s expanded efforts to closely monitor the prices and availability of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) across all regions. The event underscored the DTI’s strategy of empowering its regional and provincial offices to be at the forefront of consumer protection.
“By launching this nationwide effort here in Mabalacat, we are taking concrete steps towards realizing the vision of a Bagong Pilipinas where fair trade and consumer welfare are paramount in every part of the Philippines,” stated Secretary Roque.
“Our teams on the ground, including those in Region 3 and all other regions, are essential in making sure that our consumers can buy basic goods at reasonable prices. We are giving them the tools to actively safeguard consumer rights in their local areas, contributing to this new era for our nation,” she added.
In coordination with Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and the Local Price Coordinating Council, the trade chief inspected market stalls and engaged directly with vendors and consumers to gather insights on price movements, supply conditions, and market concerns. She also examined the “Timbangan ng Bayan” to promote ethical business practices and uphold transparency in public markets.
Secretary Roque also checked the market compliance with the maximum suggested retail prices set for imported rice and pork to help stabilize costs and protect consumers from overpricing.
The market visit was also attended by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Assistant Secretaries Dominic Tolentino, Jr., Englebert G. Chua, Agaton O. Uvero, and Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Regino Mallari. Also present were DTI-Region 3 Regional Director Edna Dizon, Assistant Regional Director Richard Simangan, and DTI-Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita R. Ordonio.
The DTI’s enhanced market monitoring aims to prevent price gouging, hoarding, and artificial shortages, while ensuring a consistent supply of alternative options for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).
Pursuant to the amended Republic Act No. 7581, otherwise known as “The Price Act”, the DTI chairs the National Price Coordinating Council, leading government efforts to stabilize the prices and supply of BNPCs.
Furthermore, the DTI is mandated to monitor the pricing of essential goods such as canned sardines, processed milk, powdered milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles; as well as prime commodities including canned meat, vinegar, patis (fish sauce), soy sauce, toilet soap, batteries, flour, cement, hollow blocks, construction nails, light bulbs, electrical supplies, and steel wires.
The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling basic necessities above their Suggested Retail Prices or uncertified items through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
