Metro Manila, Philippines—On September 11, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) partnered with the House of Representatives and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to conduct a joint inspection of well-milled and regular-milled rice prices in six public markets across Makati City and Quezon City.

This initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive under Executive Order (EO) 62, which aims to regulate tariffs on imported rice to balance protecting local farmers while ensuring affordable prices for consumers.

Supported by the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM), House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congressman Erwin Tulfo led the rice price monitoring effort with DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, and DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Fhillip Sawali.

Beyond monitoring prices, the DTI also conducted regular surveillance of the “Timbangan ng Bayan” (public weighing scales) and “Bantay Presyo (price bulletin boards) to guarantee their accuracy. By ensuring the availability and reliability of these vital tools, the DTI empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and combat unfair trade practices.

As the head of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), the DTI enforces Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, to ensure affordable prices for basic necessities and prime commodities. This mandates the Department to regulate and monitor prices, protecting consumers from unwarranted price hikes and ensuring essential goods remain accessible to all Filipinos. ♦