From L to R: Office of the Civil Defense Operations Service Dir. Cesar Idio, Office of the Civil Defense Division Chief Susana Quaimbao, OCD Deputy Administrator for Operations Asec. Hernando Boy Macaraig Jr., P&G Senior Director for Government Relations (ASEAN) and Country Legal Head (Philippines) Atty. Mimi Lopez-Malvar, Century Pacific Food Inc. National Sales Manager Dino Barandon, DSWD Usec. for Disaster Response Management Group Diane Cajipe, Century Pacific Food Inc. Assistant Vice President for Food Service and Institutions Gina Lising, Unilever Philippines Inc. Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs for Philippines and Southeast Asia Atty. Joseph Fabul, DTI Communications Undersecretary Ed G. Sunico, San Miguel Corporation Business Development Associate Christian Mati and Business Development Manager Alma Ong, Unilever Philippines External Affairs Lead Lavin Gonzaga, and Monde Nissin Head of Public Affairs Marc Alejo

Metro Manila, Philippines—In the wake of the devastation left by Super Typhoon Carina, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has joined forces with leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and government agencies to deliver crucial relief goods to affected families in Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, and the National Capital Region.

“The solidarity shown by our partners reflects our shared commitment to uplift those in need. This partnership underscores the importance of bayanihan in times of crisis, and we remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to help rebuild and restore affected communities,” Secretary Fred Pascual shared.

Major FMCG companies, including Century Pacific Food Inc., San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation, Unilever Philippines Inc., Procter and Gamble, and Monde Nissin, have donated essential supplies. Their combined efforts have provided canned goods, noodles, drinking water, and hygiene products, showcasing the industry’s commitment to supporting those affected by the typhoon.

Aligned with the DTI’s dedication to public service, through its call for Serbisyong Higit Pa Sa Inaasahan, the efficient distribution of these donations is facilitated through a collaborative effort with the Office of the Civil Defense and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

 Undersecretary Ed Sunico with leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and government agencies during the relief efforts on July 31

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard have also provided vital logistical support, including transport trucks and manpower, to expedite the delivery of goods from FMCG partners. The products will be immediately turned over to local government units (LGUs) across Regions III, IV-A, and IV-B, who will then ensure prompt distribution to families in need.

In parallel with the relief efforts, the DTI has immediately implemented a price freeze on basic necessities in all areas under state of calamity.

The price control includes essential goods such as rice, corn, bread, fresh vegetables, roots crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and certain medicines classified as essential by the Department of Health.

Moreover, the price freeze aims to protect consumers from unjust price increases during this critical period. Any establishment found to be violating the price freeze will be subject to legal action, which may include imprisonment and substantial fines. To strictly enforce the price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities in areas under a state of calamity, the DTI has mobilized monitoring teams and is actively coordinating with local government units. ♦

Date of Release: 31 July 2024

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