President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), conducted a joint market monitoring activity at the Agora Public Market.
The visit underscores the administration’s proactive stance in shielding Filipino consumers from the economic ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis and fluctuating global fuel prices.
The initiative focused on verifying the price stability and supply levels of agricultural Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs). By maintaining a physical presence in local hubs, the government aims to deter profiteering and ensure that essential goods remain affordable for every Filipino household.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the technical inspection, engaging directly with market vendors and consumers to gauge the real-time impact of global economic pressures.
“Our priority is to ensure that the Filipino people are not unfairly burdened by external market shocks,” said Secretary Roque. “Through this whole-of-government approach, we are monitoring every link in the supply chain to promote fair trade and consumer protection.”
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Price Transparency: Ensuring retailers adhere to the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for basic goods.
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Supply Security: Confirming that agricultural products and manufactured essentials remain sufficient across regional markets.
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Consumer Protection: Utilizing the DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) and the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) to penalize unfair trade practices.
This joint effort highlights the administration’s commitment to food security and economic resilience. By integrating the enforcement capabilities of both the DTI and the DA, the government is better equipped to stabilize the local market environment during periods of international volatility.
