The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its nationwide market monitoring to ensure the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable and affordable ahead of the holiday season, in line with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The move aims to safeguard consumers from unwarranted price hikes, which are a concern as demand typically rises during the festive period.
As part of the DTI’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led an inspection at the Taguig People’s Market on Thursday. Monitoring teams checked 68 units of basic necessities and prime commodities—including canned goods, milk, coffee, noodles and condiments—for price compliance.
“Our monitoring is non-negotiable, especially when we see positive outcomes like this,” Roque said.
“The DTI continues to coordinate closely with manufacturers to ensure there will be no price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities,” she said.
The DTI’s monitoring team, working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the City Government of Taguig, also inspected nearby wet market stalls selling rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. Two Timbangan ng Bayan, or public weighing scales, were checked to ensure fairness in trade.
“We are intensifying our price monitoring efforts now to guarantee that affordable goods are accessible to every Filipino household, especially as the holiday season is fast approaching,” Roque said, underscoring the agency’s proactive stance.
The DTI is set to release its annual Noche Buena Price Guide in the coming weeks to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions as Christmas products begin to fill store shelves.
