Cebu City, Philippines––Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque visited the Carbon Market, Cebu City’s oldest and largest public market. This visit last August 30 was part of the Department’s steady effort to monitor prices and ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities.

“The DTI, through its dedicated monitoring teams, is really out there to conduct on-the-ground price inspections. Laging nakatuon ang aming ahensiya upang masiguro na sapat, mura, at dekalidad ang mga pangunahing bilihin para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Secretary Roque expressed.

“This commitment is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ where we foster a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous nation,” the DTI chief added.

Together with Assistant Secretary Dominic Tolentino, Regional Director Nannette Arbon, Assistant Regional Director Hope Melgar, and Ms. Marigen A. Diano (Market Supervisor); Secretary Roque inspected market stalls and engaged directly with vendors and consumers. The DTI team evaluated pricing trends, supply and demand dynamics, and the stores’ compliance with regulations on fair trade practices.

As Cebu City’s hub of commerce, the Carbon Market showcases a vibrant array of handicrafts alongside fresh produce, including exotic fruits, local delicacies, meat, and vegetables.

The DTI’s strategic market monitoring seeks to combat price gouging, hoarding, and artificial scarcity, while ensuring a steady supply of alternative products for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs).

In accordance with the amended Republic Act No. 7581, the DTI heads the National Price Coordinating Council to rationalize government programs aimed at ensuring stable prices and supply of BNPCs.

Furthermore, the DTI is tasked with monitoring the pricing of essential commodities such as, but not limited to, canned sardines, processed milk, powdered milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles; and prime commodities such as, but not limited to, canned meat, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, batteries, flour, cement, hollow blocks, construction nails, light bulbs, electrical supplies, and steel wires.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 16 September 2024

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