ILOILO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry-Region 6 has intensified the monitoring of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) in areas hit by severe tropical storm ‘’Paeng’’ in Western Visayas.
“Though BNPC prices are stable, the demand has significantly increased, especially in the province of Antique,” said DTI-Region 6 Director Ermelinda Pollentes in a statement.
Pollentes said the increase in demand was due to bulk buying by private organizations and local government units for relief operations, retailers and consumers especially of some brands of instant noodles, canned sardines, and bread, among others.
The DTI said they are coordinating with other national government agencies and retailers to ensure the unhampered transportation or delivery of basic necessities in Western Visayas.
BNPC deliveries from suppliers in Iloilo City, the regional capital, were hampered after a major bridge that links the province of Iloilo to Antique was damaged.
The destruction caused by Paeng prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Nov. 2 to place Western Visayas under a state of calamity along with four other regions.
Businesses were reminded to comply with the price freeze on basic necessities in areas under a state of calamity.