BACOLOD CITY - Government officials in Negros Occidental appealed to business establishments to comply with the suggested retail price (SRP) for facemasks following the Kanlaon Volcano eruption.
Overpriced facemasks were reportedly sold due to high demand after the eruption on Monday, Dec. 9.
Fifth district Rep. Emilio Yulo III appealed to businessmen not to take advantage of the situation and instead help one another in times of calamity.
“We’ll bring this up to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),” he said in order to control and monitor prices in the market.
Bago City acting Mayor Ramon Torres, in a media interview, said that the public should be reminded that facemasks are necessary in this challenging time, and increasing prices would not help the situation. He advised residents not to panic and be on guard.
Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ian Villaflor posted a reminder on Facebook not to hoard and increase the price of facemasks. “Please have mercy on the affected residents,” he said.
The Department of Health (DOH) issued an advisory that the use of protective masks such as surgical or dust masks is needed.
If masks are unavailable, wet handkerchief will do to cover nose and mouth. Avoid opening windows and doors.
Have an ample supply of respiratory medicine at hand. It is advised that people with respiratory ailments and allergies be prepared with necessary medicines and be in constant contact with their physician.