Gov’t holds Diskwento Caravan in Ruby-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The government will hold a Diskwento Caravan in areas affected by Typhoon Ruby to give consumers access to basic goods at lower prices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said yesterday.

The caravan will start today in Tanay Public Market in Rizal and in Laoang town in Northern Samar. The caravan in Laoang will be until tomorrow.

Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said the Diskwento Caravan would also be conducted in two other areas in Metro Manila next week: Taguig on Dec. 15 and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Dec. 16. 

Other areas where the Diskwento Caravan will be held are in Tacloban in Leyte, as well as in Borongan in Eastern Samar.

Among the goods to be sold at discounted prices are sardines, coffee, milk, bread, bottled water, detergent, condiments, sugar and toiletries.

Rice from the National Food Authority will also be sold during the activity.

Apart from the Diskwento Caravan, the DTI has tightened its monitoring efforts to ensure stable prices and sufficient supply of goods.

A price freeze has been imposed in areas declared under a state of calamity such as Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Catanduanes, Pilar in Capiz, Leyte and Samar.

The price freeze covers basic necessities and will be in effect for 60 days.