Quezon City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as chair of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a joint price and supply monitoring operation in Quezon City markets on March 31.
With emphasis on pork and imported rice prices, this initiative aimed to ensure fair pricing of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) for consumers, following the DA’s recent release of Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
Led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the monitoring teams visited 10 wet market stalls, checking the prices of rice, poultry, meat, seafood, and vegetables. Additionally, they covered 140 stock keeping units of grocery items, including rice, meat, noodles, and condiments, at a nearby supermarket.
Secretary Roque reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair pricing practices.
“The DTI is working hand in hand with the DA to ensure that every Filipino has access to fairly priced essential goods, especially rice and pork, which are staples on every family’s table. This is part of our commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda—building a stronger, more resilient economy where consumers are protected from overpricing and unfair practices. Rest assured, we are taking pro-active action to prevent price manipulation and keep basic goods affordable for all,” said the trade chief.
“We are currently seeing a strong compliance rate among food vendors subject to the SRP and MSRP. Clearly, our implementing agencies are collaborating on good governance and economic stability, ensuring that pricing guidelines are adhered to for the benefit of consumers and businesses,” Secretary Roque added.
The joint monitoring team also included DA Undersecretary Constatine Palabrica, DA Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero, DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Director Atty. Regino Mallari Jr., Mr. Joseph Rudolph Lo of the Food Terminal Inc., and representatives from the Quezon City government office.
Beyond price checks, the team also inspected the ‘‘Timbangan ng Bayan’’ and “Bantay Presyo” bulletin boards to further promote ethical business practices and transparency in the markets.
This activity is part of ongoing joint efforts by the DTI and DA to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of essential goods at reasonable costs, as mandated by the Price Act (Republic Act No. 7581, as amended by R.A. 10623).
Similar market monitoring initiatives have been conducted in Valenzuela, Pasig, Manila, Pasay, and Quezon City.
Consumers are encouraged to report any retailers who sell basic necessities above the specified prices through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph. END
