BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Negros Occidental recently visited the town of La Castellana in Negros Occidental to ensure the stable prices of basic necessities while it is under a state of calamity due to the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
ENGIEMAR Tupas, officer-in-charge, industry division, DTI-Negros Occidental, monitor prices of basic necessities in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, during a visit on June 7. The municipality is under a state of calamity due to the Kanlaon Volcano eruption on June 3. (Photo via Engiemar Tupas Facebook)
DTI-Negros Occidental Director Lynna Joy Cardinal led the team in checking stores and wet markets of their compliance with the 60-day price freeze as the town is the most affected locality in the province from the eruption.
Under the Price Act of the Philippines, Cardinal noted that prime commodities in local government units (LGUs) under a state of calamity should be frozen.
Basic necessities include canned sardines, tomato sauce, noodles, coffee, processed milk, bread, and bottled water, she said.
“We’re monitoring their compliance, and so far, there’s no problem,” Cardinal said, adding that stores are aware of the prize freeze in times of calamities.
Aside from price monitoring, she said that the DTI also ensures the adequate supply of these commodities in stores.
Fortunately, she said, stores in the town have enough supply as they have at least two months buffer stock.
The town was placed under a state of calamity on June 4, a day after the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in the neighboring city of Canlaon in Negros Oriental which affected several residents.
The price freeze in La Castellana will end August 3.
The Price Act provides that any retailers found selling more than the listed prevailing prices shall be imposed an administrative fine of up to P1,000,000 and or a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.