Eastern visayas: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 8 has urged local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas to enhance their Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to ensure affordable necessities for all residents.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the LPCC Summit, DTI-8 Director Celerina Bato called on local government officials to improve price monitoring and strengthen interagency collaboration with the national government. Bato emphasized the importance of collaboration and strategic alignment to protect the purchasing power of consumers, particularly the most vulnerable sectors. The summit was attended by mayors, DTI officials, and consumer welfare advocates from the region.

The DTI reported that 141 out of 149 provinces, cities, and towns in the region have activated their LPCCs as of mid-2025. These councils are distributed across Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. The LPCCs are mandated by Republic Act 7581, known as the Price Act, to monitor and stabilize the prices of necessities and prime commodities at the local level. Chaired by the local chief executive, the councils include representatives from national agencies, the private sector, and consumer groups.

Bato highlighted the crucial role of local chief executives in safeguarding consumers and promoting fair pricing practices. The LPCCs are responsible for market inspection, price monitoring, and analyzing commodity price fluctuations. The enhanced councils are expected to bridge the gaps faced by national government agencies, such as limited monitoring manpower, the presence of informal markets and unregulated sellers, supplier resistance, and weak public awareness of price ceilings and consumer rights.