DTI launches Diskwento Caravan in Leyte, Samar

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will hold a series of Diskwento Caravans in the provinces of Leyte and Samar as it seeks to ensure stable food supply and sell basic commodities at discounted prices to families affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“After our first stop (Nov. 14,) in Ormoc City, we will hold more Diskwento Caravans in Leyte, particularly in the towns of Maasin and Baybay,” DTI regional director for Central Visayas Asteria Caberte said.

The DTI’s Diskwento Caravan will be in held in the municipality of Maasin on Monday (Nov. 18), and Baybay on Tuesday (Nov. 19).

The schedules for the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar are still being finalized.

“The people appreciated our first Diskwento Caravan in Leyte, and even requested us to stay longer for a few more days, or even a week,” Caberte said.

The Diskwento Caravan is a flagship project of the DTI providing consumers access to discounted basic goods.

The products being sold at discounted prices during the Diskwento Caravan are bottled water, canned goods, coffee, milk, noodles, rice, biscuits and bread.

The participating companies are Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc., Nutri-Asia, Nestle Philippines, Century Canning Corp. and San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc.

For the succeeding caravans, the DTI said other items will be added to the product offerings such as detergent, flashlights, batteries, candles, rice, eggs and dressed chicken.

For more information on the Diskwento Caravan, individuals can contact DTI Central Visayas at telephone numbers (032) 255-0036 or 255-0037.

Earlier this week, President Aquino declared a state of national calamity following the destruction caused by Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

With the declaration of state of national calamity, a nationwide price freeze on basic commodities is in effect.

DTI Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group Officer in Charge Victorio Mario Dimagiba said earlier the price freeze which covers canned sardines; evaporated and condensed milk, coffee refill; laundry bar and detergent; candles; bread (Pinoy Pandesal and Pinoy Tasty); instant noodles; bottled water; salt; National Food Authority rice; fresh egg; dressed chicken; sugar; pork as well as emergency drugs identified by the Department of Health, will be in place until lifted by the President.

For items such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) for household use and kerosene however, the price freeze will be implemented for 15 days after the publication of the price guide.