WESTERN VISAYAS – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI carried out a synchronized price and supply monitoring this morning, October 26, 2023, covering all provinces within Western Visayas. The activity is part of the DTI Nationwide Undas Bantay Presyo, an initiative aimed at ensuring fair prices and ample supplies of basic goods as the nation prepares to observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1-2, 2023.
Across the region, DTI personnel monitored 77 establishments, including 16 retail markets, 29 transport terminals, and 32 flower shops strategically located in major trading centers within each province. These locations included Kalibo in Aklan, San Jose in Antique, Roxas City in Capiz, Jordan in Guimaras, Iloilo City in Iloilo, and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.
The primary focus of this activity was to monitor the prices and supply of basic goods such as candles and bottled water, and a special monitoring on flowers.
The Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) on Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPC) issued on 08 February 2023 have maintained the price guidance for candles and bottled waters in supermarkets and grocery stores. Monitored brands of candles and bottled water are within the SRP. The DTI encourages the public to make use of the SRP as a point of reference when purchasing these products.
This simultaneous, region-wide monitoring operation was a proactive step taken by DTI Region VI to protect consumers’ rights and ensure that the necessary products remained accessible at reasonable prices and with adequate supply in Western Visayas.
The DTI will continue to ensure that the interests of consumers are promoted through stronger partnership and cooperation with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and the local government units.
The Department is enjoining the public to report to their nearest DTI office or through the DTI hotline (DTI-1384) practices that violate consumer welfare. ♦
Date of release: 26 October 2023
