The Department of Trade and Industry-Negros Occidental assured on Friday, June 7, that the prices and supply of basic goods of major retailers and establishments in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, are stable and adequate.
The assurance was made following DTI price and supply monitoring in La Castellana that declared a State of Calamity following the Kanlaon Volcano eruption on Monday.
DTI-Neg. Occ. Director Lynna Joy Cardinal said that they started the daily monitoring of the prices of basic commodities in the town since the declaration of the state of calamity.
On Tuesday, the Sangguniang Bayan of La Castellana passed a resolution declaring a state of calamity, which entailed a price freeze on basic commodities in the municipality.
Among the basic commodities that the agency has been monitoring are instant noodles, canned sardines, instant coffee, processed milk, bottled water, laundry soap, bread, salt and other goods that are regularly bought by the consumers.
Cardinal said alcohol and face masks are not covered by the DTI monitoring as they fall under the Department of Health’s jurisdiction.
Cardinal said that with the declaration of the State of Calamity, there will be a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in La Castellana.
The monitoring will ensure that retailers do not violate the price freeze, Cardinal said.*