DUMAGUETE CITY: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental has initiated its price monitoring of Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) products across various establishments as the holiday season gains momentum. According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato announced that the price monitoring commenced last month, encompassing seven major retailers in this capital city. "Our price monitoring team is undertaking a weekly price monitoring in these establishments following the receipt of a price guide from the DTI main office," Bato stated. The monitoring includes grocery stores and supermarkets such as Robinsons Mall, Lee Super Plaza, Cang's Inc., and City Mall, among others. The list of Noche Buena products in the price guide features essentials like ham, fruit cocktail, mayonnaise, pasta, queso de bola, sandwich spread, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce, as well as other items traditionally used for the Christmas Eve feast. Bato reported that preliminary monitoring has indicated a slight increase in some product prices, though the changes remain minimal. Additionally, there have been no reports of hoarding or shortages of these goods in local markets. In another development, the DTI urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing Christmas lights, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that these products meet the required safety standards, including the PS and ICC marks. Christmas lights lacking these certifications are considered sub-standard and could pose fire hazards. Bato mentioned that the DTI office plans to start monitoring Christmas lights and related products in the coming week.