A PRICE freeze was imposed in Davao Oriental following last week's earthquakes.
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry has issued a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in the province of Davao Oriental following the declaration of state of calamity due to the doublet earthquake.
Covered by the order from Oct. 13 to Dec. 12 are rice, corn, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, canned goods, instant noodles, milk, as well as daily use items like soap.
The DTI-Davao Oriental has conducted price monitoring activities in various business establishments.
“We at DTI will continue to closely monitor the prices of goods in business establishments to prevent overpricing, especially during this difficult time. We also encourage consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities” DTI- Davao Oriental Provincial Director Maria Joycelyn Banlasan said in a statement.
The agency initially conducted monitoring in Manay, Tarragona, City of Mati, Baganga, and Caraga.
Among the products monitored were canned goods, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap and detergents, salt, instant noodles, and bottled water, among others.
DTI-Davao Oriental said that the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable and within the prescribed suggested retail price (SRP).
The agency warned business establishments that violators would be dealt with accordingly under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
Violators could face imprisonment for one year to 10 years or a fine of P1,000 to P1 million.
Davao Oriental was placed under a state of calamity on Monday.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 18-152-10-2025 following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).