Valenzuela City, Philippines—Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque led the conclusion of the month-long “SWEEPtember” price monitoring campaign at the Marulas Public Market and a major grocery chain in Valenzuela City on September 27.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” this initiative is a key priority in Secretary Roque’s first 100 days as the Chairperson of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC). The Council aims to safeguard consumers from unfair price hikes and guarantee a consistent supply of essential goods in the market.

“The DTI, through our dedicated and on-the-ground monitoring teams, remains steadfast in securing justifiable prices in our retail market stalls. The progress from our monitoring activities has been encouraging, and we will further strengthen our collaboration with food manufacturers and stakeholders to guarantee the consistent availability of food products at reasonable prices,” said DTI Secretary Roque.

Secretary Roque was joined by DTI-Fair Trade Group (FTG) Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Director Atty. Marimel Dancel Porciuncula, Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), and Valenzuela City Technological College.

The FTEB’s Surveillance and Monitoring Division (SMD) inspected the stores’ compliance with fair trade laws and regulations. The SMD, in coordination with the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCC), also checked the prices and supply of consumer goods to maintain stability.

Aside from the consumer protection initiatives, the trade chief further engaged with micro, small, and medium enterprises and consumers to gather feedback, enabling her to better understand their concerns and work towards improving market conditions.

Moreover, FTG Supervising Head Assistant Secretary Uvero highlighted the significance of cooperating with local government units (LGUs) and LPCC. He also noted that by actively interacting with entrepreneurs, the DTI strengthens its capability to meet the needs of Filipino consumers and uphold fair pricing standards in the market.

Echoing this sentiment, FTEB OIC Director Porciuncula reiterated that price monitoring remains a core function of the DTI, stating, “The ‘SWEEPtember’ campaign serves as a reminder to the public of the DTI’s commitment to a level playing field for both businesses and consumers.”

Building on Valenzuela City’s 2023 efforts to add “Timbangan ng Bayan” (public weighing scale) units and rehabilitate the Polo Public Market, the DTI verified that the public market’s open weighing scale was properly calibrated and that the updated price board was clearly displayed.

The inspection was also attended by DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) Director Junibert De Guzman, Valenzuela Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) Chief Atty. Ulysses Gallego, City Veterinary and Agriculture Office Head Dr. Basil Sison, and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO) Head Janina Bautista.

For the whole month of September, the DTI conducted similar price monitoring activities in partnership with the LGUs in Parañaque City, Quezon City, and Valenzuela City on September 10, 20, and 27, respectively.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, as amended by RA 10623 (Price Act), the DTI is mandated to ensure affordable prices for essential goods while allowing legitimate businesses a fair return on investment.

In its role as the lead agency of the NPCC, the DTI also works with the DA, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Energy, and LGUs to protect the interests of consumers across the country.

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

Date of release: 15 October 2024

Related posts:

DTI pushes for increase in trade and investment with Japan’s largest retailer AEON DTI champions sustainable innovation among Filipino startups at Ecothon 2024 DTI cites strategic measures to lower logistic costs and enhance supply chain efficiency Philippine creative industries take center stage at Creative Nation Summit 2024 Kenneth Cobonpue to unveil new pieces at Manila FAME homecoming DTI champions PH economic growth and export expansion in meeting with Itochu Corporation DTI leads PH brands’ first participation in Melbourne Franchising Expo, secures USD 20.6M in export sales DTI sets the stage for stronger trade ties with UAE in official visit