The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 reported that a total of 1,624 rice retailers throughout the region were monitored, as of September 14.
In Davao City, DTI visited 470 micro rice retailers, 385 in Davao Oriental, 349 in Davao Occidental, 172 in Davao de Oro, 165 in Davao del Norte, and 83 in Davao del Sur.
During the monitoring and profiling of these retailers, it was found that the selling price of well-milled rice (WMR) ranges from P42.00 to P64.00 per kilogram, while the regular-milled rice (RMR) was priced between P38.00 and P59.00 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, DTI Region 11 recorded a total of 182 beneficiaries who were each given P15,000 cash assistance during its distribution with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on September 13.
DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Ambi assured the public that the agency is visiting as many rice retailers as it can to make sure that they follow the mandated price ceiling of P45.00 per kilogram for WMR and P41.00 per kilogram for RMR.
“We have been coordinating with DA closely since rice is under its jurisdiction. Nonetheless, we at DTI have been doing our best to carry our role based on E.O. No. 39,” she said.
The regional trade chief reiterated that violation of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, will be dealt with accordingly, based on the provisions of the law.
Meanwhile, Ambi encouraged the public to report any violation of the E.O. No. 39 or FTLs, or any unscrupulous practice of business establishments to DTI .