Prices of Undas essentials stable, says DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices of items typically purchased for the observance of Undas remain stable, as part of the government’s commitment to hold off price increases until the end of the year.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque inspected a supermarket in Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to ensure that Undas-related goods are adequately supplied and fairly priced.
During the inspection, the agency’s monitoring teams checked the prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities, particularly candles and bottled water.
The DTI confirmed that all 224 stock keeping units (SKUs) of the monitored items were within the suggested retail price (SRP) list.
“We commend our retailers for upholding fair prices in the interest and welfare of our consumers,” Roque said in a statement.
“Rest assured that the DTI will continue to diligently monitor the markets to keep prices affordable while also ensuring that our businesses remain sustainable and profitable—so that it will be a win-win for all,” she added.
The DTI earlier secured the support of local manufacturers to maintain the current SRP for basic necessities and prime commodities following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Basic necessities include canned sardines, powdered milk, bread, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles, while prime commodities cover luncheon meat, corned beef, condiments, toilet soap, and batteries.
Since the start of the month, Roque said her agency has also been inspecting flower shops to verify price compliance and encourage vendors to maintain reasonably priced products.
Roque, alongside Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, also conducted wet market monitoring on Wednesday to check the price situation of rice, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and other key commodities.
She said the monitoring is part of the collaboration between the DTI and the DA, as members of the interagency National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), to ensure price and supply stability for basic goods.
This year, both agencies have conducted a total of 23 joint monitoring activities nationwide.