DTI Northern Samar keeps track of basic and prime product prices

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Northern Samar Provincial Office is on its toes keeping track of the prices of basic and prime commodities in the market on its daily monitoring.

This was learned from Ms. Mimosa B. Regis, DTI OIC Provincial Director.

“The DTI Northern Samar is conducting Daily Price Monitoring of basic and prime commodities as well as selected medical supplies in compliance to the Price Freeze mandate under Price Act or Republic Act No. 7581,” Regis said.

Accordingly, basic goods being monitored that are under the jurisdiction of the DTI include canned fish and other marine products, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), on the other hand, covers basic agricultural goods such as rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fresh fruits, while essential drugs are under Department of Health (DOH).

A Department of Health (DOH) personnel checks on prices of esseential drugs in a pharmacy in Catarman town, N. Samar. (PIA N. Samar)

Price monitoring is being done regularly since March 8, 2020 in 119 establishments covering 65 retail stores and 54 pharmacies and drugstores in 12 towns with established Negosyo Centers.

In addition, the DTI is also coordinating with other agencies to ensure the availability of basic goods as specifically stated under the Executive Order of Governor Edwin Ong, that, movements of goods and operation of delivery trucks carrying goods should not be restricted and shall remain unhampered.

Aside from price monitoring DTI also relentlessly campaigns against hoarding and panic buying law by distributing and posting campaign materials in business establishments and strategic locations in the public market.

Ms. Regis airs her appeal to consumers to be vigilant and a little more considerate, not to panic buy or hoard and buy only what is necessary.

“For store owners, please do not take advantage of the situation, this is only temporary, let us do our share and let us heal as one,” she appealed. (nbq/ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)