Negros Occidental: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) are advocating for the enforcement of mandatory price tagging on consumer products in public markets across Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, PAFC's Resolution 03-2025 aims to institutionalize the requirement for price tags on agricultural and fishery commodities throughout all public markets in the province. To advance this initiative, an online awareness session was held last Friday, attended by 75 representatives from various sectors.
The session focused on key legal provisions, including the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the Price Tag Law, and relevant DTI department administrative orders, emphasizing the necessity for transparent pricing practices to uphold consumer rights and ensure market transparency.
Participants of the session included market supervisors from local government units (LGUs), representatives from market vendors associations, local price coordinating councils, city and regional agricultural and fishery councils, as well as personnel from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.
In a statement, DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal announced plans to monitor compliance with the price tagging requirement in stores selling basic and prime commodities. Cardinal emphasized that this initiative would promote transparency, fostering trust among producers, vendors, and consumers. "By clearly displaying prices, we empower consumers, promote fair competition, and contribute to a more efficient and profitable marketplace," she stated.
Dina Genzola, OIC Provincial Agriculturist and co-chairperson of PAFC, expressed commitment to disseminating information through people's organizations and LGUs. "We will integrate this initiative into our regular programs," Genzola remarked, highlighting the importance of collaboration for effective implementation.
Previously, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson also advocated for the institutionalization and enforcement of price tag requirements for agricultural and fishery commodities within the province.
