In the midst of the enhanced community quarantine, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) began its series of Diskwento Caravan in Navotas City last 14 April 2020 and in Taguig City last 15 April 2020, which was jointly conducted with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This initiative aims to supply basic goods priced in accordance with, or lower than the suggested retail prices. The basic necessities in the caravan include canned sardines, Instant noodles, coffee, soap, condiments (vinegar, soy sauce), cooking oil, fresh fish and chicken, vegetables, and fruits.  Bottles of disinfectant alcohol were also made available.

“The Department will continue to find ways to help consumers especially in this challenging time,” says DTI Assistant Secretary Domingo Tolentino Jr.     

“We recognize that in this crisis, we work and heal as one. Our close coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA), retailers, manufacturers and Local Government Units (LGU) is essential in ensuring supply of basic necessities and are priced according to, or lower than the prevailing prices set in the price freeze list,” DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo underscores.

The DTI’s Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) coordinates with the manufacturers and retailers of basic necessities to be part of the Caravan.  “We enjoin our partners from the industry of basic necessities to assist our consumer by offering their products in the caravan and providing them at discounted prices,” Undersecretary Castelo adds.

In partnership with the LGUs and the DA, the DTI promotes the strict implementation of social distancing during the conduct of the Diskwento Caravan.

To report establishments that sell basic necessities beyond the price freeze, consumers may call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph. For the price freeze lists for NCR and the province, visit this link. ♦

Date of Release: 20 April 2020