The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao Oriental has ramped up its price monitoring activities to ensure no abnormal price increases follow the recent magnitude 7.6 and 6.8 earthquakes that jolted the province.
In a statement Friday, DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Joycelyn Banlasan said the initial monitoring on Oct. 13 covered business establishments in Manay, Tarragona, Mati City, and nearby municipalities including Baganga and Caraga. The DTI focused on basic necessities such as canned goods, processed milk, coffee, instant noodles, and bottled water.
Banlasan said an abnormal price increase occurs when a commodity is sold at 10 percent or more above its previous price, taking advantage of the current crisis.
The DTI is now enforcing a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities across Davao Oriental, following the province-wide declaration of a State of Calamity via SP Resolution No. 18-152-10-2025 on Oct. 13.
Based on initial monitoring, Banlasan noted that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities have remained stable and are within their prescribed Suggested Retail Price (SRP). The office informed all establishments on Oct. 14 of their need to comply with the price freeze.
The DTI warned that establishments found violating the price freeze will be penalized.
“We at DTI will continue to closely monitor the prices of goods in business establishments to prevent overpricing, especially during this difficult time. We also encourage consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities to us,” Banlasan added. (PNA)
