In response to the recent impacts of Tropical Cyclones NANDO and OPONG, and in line with the President’s directive to implement a Price Freeze in affected areas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued an advisory to strengthen the monitoring of prices of basic commodities.

The Local Price Monitoring Councils are to intensify their efforts to ensure compliance by business establishments with regulations on Automatic Price Control, Price Freeze, and mandated price ceilings. This initiative aims to prevent unwarranted price increases and address supply shortages caused by the recent calamities.

All Local Chief Executives, through their respective Local Price Coordinating Councils, are urged to immediately implement coordinated emergency measures to protect consumers and stabilize local markets. These measures include: Conducting immediate monitoring of prices and supply of basic and prime commodities in the affected areas following the calamities or the declaration of a state of emergency; Identifying additional essential items that may not traditionally be classified as basic necessities or prime commodities but have become critical due to the emergency situation; Increasing the frequency of monitoring as necessary, focusing on items experiencing price fluctuations or supply shortages, with only such items to be reported; Submitting timely reports to the Secretariat of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) to facilitate efficient coordination and response; and Adjusting the frequency of monitoring and reporting as market conditions stabilize, with a reduction of activities once prices and supply normalize.

The DILG calls on all stakeholders, including business establishments and consumers, to cooperate fully in this collective effort to maintain fair market practices and ensure the availability of essential goods during this challenging period.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/Local-Price-Monitoring-Councils-strengthen-measures-to-safeguard-consumers-in-the-aftermath-of-Tropical-Cyclones-Nando-and-Opong/NC-2025-1214