DTI monitors price freeze compliance

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry recently visited supermarkets in Cebu City to check if the establishments have complied with the price freeze imposed by the agency while the city is under a state of calamity.

During the visit Thursday, Trade and Industry Specialist Dinah Gladys Oro of DTI-7 said prices of basic necessities and prime commodities particularly in Gaisano Metro Supermarket are the same with the costs listed in the price control.

Within the 60-day price freeze period, Oro said the agency would continue to monitor the prevailing prices of basic goods in the market.

On the other hand, Rowena Tangoan, Metro’s supermarket manager, told The FREEMAN, grocery stores especially in the downtown area would continue to compare prices with competitors to maintain market stability.

“We make sure nga among prices same or below with other competitors,” she said. “One way to keep up with competition ug pag-maintain pud sa masa who are mostly price conscious.”

Although the DTI recently approved a price increase of Nescafe coffee products, Oro said it cannot happen in Cebu City for the meantime because of the price control declaration.

Aside from Gaisano Metro, DTI officials also visited other stores in the downtown area but declined media coverage. — Carlo S. Lorenciana (FREEMAN)