Consumers can expect continued access to fairly priced rice and other basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) intensify joint market monitoring to prevent unjustified price increases and ensure public markets comply with government pricing guidelines.
Conducted on August 4 at the New Las Piñas City Public Market, the joint inspection supports the administration’s broader UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport) initiative by helping keep essential food items fairly priced, stabilizing market conditions, and protecting the purchasing power of Filipino families following the lifting of the P50-per-kilogram rice price cap in June.
“In addition to DTI’s regular monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities, we are working closely with the DA to track market conditions following the lifting of the P50 rice price cap. Our objective is to guarantee that our markets adhere to the government’s guidelines for fair pricing,” said Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Atty. Regino Mallari.
The activity also complements the DA’s recommendation to the National Price Coordinating Council in July to reimpose the P50-per-kilogram rice price cap for another 60 days. Conducted during the lean harvest season for palay, the monitoring helps assess prevailing market conditions and supports evidence-based government decisions to stabilize rice prices.
DTI and DA inspected the prices of rice, BNPCs, and other agricultural products in 18 public market stalls. Officials also tested weighing scales to verify that consumers receive the correct quantity for the price they pay.
Through sustained joint monitoring, DTI and DA seek to discourage overpricing, ensure accurate weighing practices, maintain the availability of essential goods, and promote fair and transparent trading in public markets. These efforts form part of the government’s commitment to protecting consumers while helping keep food markets stable and accessible for Filipino families.
Consumers who encounter suspected overpricing, inaccurate weighing, or other unfair trade practices may report them through DTI Hotline 1-384 or email ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph.
