The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ensured that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storms (STS) Nando and Opong remained stable with sufficient supply.
Based on the latest situational report, the DTI Regional Operations Group confirmed stable supply in affected regions, noting no reports of delivery delays or panic buying in the provinces and municipalities placed under a State of Calamity (SOC).
Currently, a 60-day price freeze is in effect in the entire provinces of Cagayan, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, Biliran, and Romblon, as well as the municipalities of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Dagupan in Pangasinan, Calbayog and San Vicente in Samar, and Ibajay in Aklan.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that consumer protection remains the department’s primary concern, especially in times of calamity.
“Protecting every Filipino consumer will always be our top priority. Despite the impact of the storms, we assure the public that prices of essential goods will remain stable and consistently accessible. Our regional and provincial monitors are on the ground daily to safeguard market stability,” Secretary Roque said.
Moreover, despite partial business closures in Masbate, most markets, groceries, and supermarkets in the affected areas remain operational, with consumer volume returning to normal levels.
The DTI continues to coordinate with distributors and retailers to guarantee stable supply of BNPCs, and reiterates that violators of the automatic price freeze face penalties of one to ten years imprisonment and fines ranging from P5,000 to P1,000,000.
For consumer-related concerns and queries, send an email to ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph or call the 1-DTI (1-384) Hotline.
