DTI Region VI officials discuss consumer protection efforts and monitoring activities in preparation for the UNDAS season during the 2024 UNDAS Monitoring press conference held on October 30, 2024 at the DTI Regional Office 6

Iloilo City, Philippines – As part of All Saints Day (Undas) preparations, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 held a press conference on 30 October 2024 to discuss consumer protection efforts and monitoring activities across Western Visayas.

DTI Region 6 Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable opened the conference by outlining the agency’s commitment to maintaining fair prices and sufficient supplies during this significant season.

“Our monitoring results show a stable trend with no significant changes in the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for bottled water and candles since January 2024,” Director Nufable said.

Attended by representatives from various media outlets in print, radio, television, and online, the briefing highlighted the availability and stable prices of essential goods like bottled water and candles.

Joining the conference were provincial directors from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo, each reporting on the status of their local price monitoring and compliance efforts. According to Atty. Jazer Miranda, Officer in Charge of the Consumer Protection Division, measures are in place to ensure retailers adhere to the SRP and maintain transparency in pricing, with sanctions awaiting non-compliant establishments.

In some areas like Iloilo City, there has been a price decrease of up to 12% for certain bottled water brands and a reduction of 1.56% to 4.34% in candle prices. In total, there are 222 monitored establishments by the DTI Western Visayas in their regular monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities.

The media posed questions on various topics, including SRP enforcement, the possible price hike in flowers and food ingredients, especially sugar, and the prevalence of counterfeit goods.

In response to these inquiries, the DTI assured consumers of proactive monitoring by activating Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) and establishing Consumer Welfare Desks, along with implementing additional measures to prevent unfair trade practices. They also provided tips to help consumers choose flowers and other goods during the Undas season.

The DTI Region 6 further emphasized its support for local manufacturers and vendors, encouraging the public to support locally made products during the observance. With price stability and ample supply confirmed, the DTI remains committed to upholding consumer rights and fostering fair trade throughout UNDAS and beyond. ♦

Date of release: 01 November 2024

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