From L to R: DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, DTI Secretary and NPCC Chair Cristina A. Roque

Quezon City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) inspected wet and dry market goods at the Commonwealth Public Market on February 12. The joint effort seeks to ensure fair pricing for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., joined by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, led the price monitoring. The team visited seven wet market stalls to check the prices of meat, poultry, vegetables, and fish. They also monitored 133 stock keeping units (SKUs) of basic canned goods, processed foods, and other condiments at a nearby grocery chain.

“We are pleased to report that prices of BNPCs across public markets and grocery stores have remained stable, with only minimal increases observed. Vendors and manufacturers are also adhering to government-set price standards. This is a positive indication that our ongoing initiatives and active discussions are effectively encouraging compliance from businesses,” said Secretary Roque.

Building on previous collaborative market rounds with the DA, the DTI has also conducted nationwide inspections of rice prices to enforce the DA’s rice regulations for public market vendors.

“The DTI fully supports the President’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign to guarantee affordable rice for all Filipinos. Together with the DA, we will strengthen and expand our price monitoring efforts to make sure no Filipino is left behind,” emphasized Trade Chief and National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) Chair Roque.

In photo: DTI Secretary and NPCC Chair Cristina A. Roque, and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

DTI Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero urged consumers to make responsible shopping choices.

“As consumers, we have the right to accurate pricing and quality options, which we can verify through price boards and the ‘Timbangan ng Bayan’ (public weighing scales). With the many options available, vigilance is all it takes to make informed and fair decisions,” he said.

In photo: DTI Secretary and NPCC Chair Cristina A. Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Agataon Uvero, and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Several DA officials also attended the inspection, including Undersecretary Roger Navarro, Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, and Director Junibert De Sagun. Also present was Food Terminal Inc. President Joseph Rudolph Lo.

Chaired by the DTI, the NPCC plays a key role in price stabilization, ensuring that basic goods remain available at fair and reasonable prices for both consumers and businesses.

To complement these initiatives, consumers are encouraged to report complaints or violations against retailers selling BNPCs through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph or reporttosec@dti.gov.ph. END (Press Release).