NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA) – The price freeze in the Kanlaon volcano eruption ravaged town, La Castellana, ended on August 4.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Joy B. Cardinal said the provision of the Price Act of the Philippines on the declaration of the State of Calamity is only good for 60 days and ends automatically.
A state of calamity was declared in the town on June 4 after thousands were affected by the volcano’s fury.
During that period, the DTI conducted daily price monitoring activities at the stores and supermarkets in the municipality to stabilize prices and prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation.
“During our visits, we found all the stores compliant to the policies of the DTI and we didn’t find any violations related to the price freeze because they were willing to adhere to it,” she said.
The DTI has resumed its monthly price monitoring of prices in La Castellana, except for Bacolod City which is on a weekly basis, she noted.
According to Cardinal when a state of calamity is declared in a Local Government Unit, the basis for the prices of essential commodities is the DTI’s monitored prevailing price the month before.
She urged consumers to be intelligent in buying by canvassing for the lowest but quality products, taking note of expiry dates, and checking for promotions and discounts.
She thanked commercial establishments in La Castellana for their cooperation with the rules of the DTI during the price freeze period.
Among the items subject to price control during a state of calamity include rice, corn, poultry products, bread, fresh vegetables, roots crops, pork, beef, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, charcoal, and candles. (AAL/Lljr/ PIA6 Negros Occidental)
