Cordillera: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has announced that the supply of basic goods and prime commodities remains stable, though there have been some price increases.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jeremias Agpres, DTI-CAR Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist, stated that their assessment is based on monitoring conducted across 61 establishments in the city and other provinces within the Cordillera. The DTI-CAR oversees the price and supply of approximately 197 basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs). Due to the current fluctuations in fuel prices, DTI-CAR has implemented weekly monitoring of these products and plans to further intensify these activities to closely evaluate the impact of rising fuel costs.
Agpres identified canned goods, instant coffee, and detergents as the products experiencing price hikes. Consequently, the DTI has issued letters of inquiry to two establishments regarding these increases. Despite the price changes, the monitoring indicates that the supply of basic goods is sufficient to last from two weeks to one month, supported by continuous deliveries to the region.
Agpres encouraged the public to report any instances of overpricing to the nearest DTI office via phone at 442-5688 or email at [email protected]. Meanwhile, the city government is also actively monitoring fuel and basic goods prices. Mayor Magalong warned in a recent media interview that any establishments exploiting the situation in the Middle East by hoarding goods will face strict legal consequences. He mentioned the possibility of imposing a lifetime ban on businesses engaging in unethical trade practices.
Mayor Magalong had previously convened the local price monitoring council, comprising the city government and other relevant national agencies, to ensure consumer protection against profiteering and overpricing.
