Price freeze still up in Bicol provinces hit by Kristine

PRICE WATCH The Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol region since last month has been sending teams to different provinces, like Albay and Camarines Sur, to check prices of goods as typhoon-hit communities deal with the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami). —Photo courtesy of DTI Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — A price freeze on essential goods remains in effect across Bicol region, particularly in provinces hit by widespread flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) last month.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bicol confirmed that the price freeze included essential items such as canned sardines, milk, coffee, laundry products, bread, salt, bottled water and locally made instant noodles.

This measure, currently in effect in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon, is in place to ensure that residents have access to affordable necessities during the crisis.

READ: Kristine-hit Bicol farmers get P24.4 million in crop insurance payments

Adherence

According to Joseph Rañola, DTI Bicol officer in charge, the agency’s enforcers have been closely monitoring compliance with the price freeze since Oct. 24.

“We are committed to ensuring adherence to the price freeze and the continued availability of essential goods in these affected areas,” Rañola said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the price freeze would remain for as long as the state of calamity declaration over the typhoon-hit areas was not lifted.

Kristine hit the country late October and was immediately followed by Supertyphoon Leon (Kong-rey).

The two weather disturbances left the country with 169 deaths and 9.6 million people affected by widespread flooding and landslides, especially in Bicol.

Rañola urged retailers to fully comply with Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, which mandates price controls during a state of calamity.

The DTI is working to stabilize the situation and protect consumers from price increases during this challenging time, he said.

“We urge retailers to follow the law to avoid penalties, which range from P5,000 to P1 million, as well as possible imprisonment of up to 10 years,” he added.