DTI to intensify price monitoring amid anticipated La Niña

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is stepping up its price monitoring efforts in anticipation of the La Niña weather phenomenon.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the agency is intensifying its efforts “to ensure even more effective oversight, particularly as we brace for the impacts of La Niña.”

Pascual said an automatic price control would be in effect in areas that would be declared under a state of calamity due to La Niña, which brings unusually heavy rains.

“The DTI is steadfast in enforcing these regulations and any individuals caught engaging in illegal price manipulation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

The DTI, he added, is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to reactivate the Local Price Coordinating Councils or LPCCs, which serve as crucial partners in price monitoring efforts.

Based on a DILG report, 78 percent or 1,335 of the country’s 1,716 local government units have already reactivated their LPCCs.

Pascual also welcomed the support of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in efforts to combat price manipulators and protect consumers during the anticipated La Niña weather phenomenon. He said this collaboration shows the government’s unified approach to safeguarding the public against exploitative practices.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, El Niño Task Force spokesman, said at least 321 cities and towns declared a state of calamity amid the ongoing impact of El Niño in the country.

“My list is 321 (cities and municipalities, including Cebu City, Toledo and Tudela, both in Cebu province) have declared (a state of calamity),” Villarama told The STAR, adding that the list is as of May 17.

He expressed confidence that the number will not go up significantly since “we are already at the tail end of the El Niño.”

Still, he asked the public to continue to conserve water as the El Niño is not yet over.

“Just the same, we continue to remind our fellow Filipinos that until we are out of the woods, we still need to conserve and remain vigilant,” Villarama said.

He said the bulk of damage to the agriculture sector, pegged at P6.35 billion, is mostly from palay, corn and vegetables.

Villarama gave assurance that the Department of Budget and Management released P15 billion to provide assistance to areas affected by the drought. — Bella Cariaso