Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is actively conducting weekly price monitoring of essential commodities during the holiday season, maintaining a price freeze that notably excludes Noche Buena items, an official announced.

According to Philippines News Agency, Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson and head of the consumer protection division, emphasized in an interview that the weekly price monitoring initiative is designed to prevent retailers from exploiting the holidays by inflating the prices of consumer goods. Bato highlighted that the DTI has issued a price guide for Noche Buena items to aid consumers in identifying stores that offer more affordable options.

The DTI's guide specifies price ranges for key holiday staples such as ham, fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream, nata de coco, kaong, queso de bola, cheese, and mayonnaise, among others. Bato also urged the public to make use of the Consumer Welfare Desks available at major retail stores for any complaints regarding consumer goods pricing or related issues.

Negros Oriental continues to be under a state of calamity due to the impact of recent typhoons, which has necessitated the ongoing enforcement of the price freeze. Bato noted that, so far, major retailers in the area, particularly those participating in DTI's e-Presyo program, are largely complying with the price guidelines or offering prices that are even lower than the agency's suggested prices.

Additionally, the DTI is conducting inspections of Christmas lights to ensure they meet government standards, while also publishing a list of fireworks brands that have obtained mandatory certification, Bato added.

Source: Philippine News Agency