The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) conducted a joint price monitoring in Navotas City on Friday, August 29, as the government prepares for a looming rice import ban in September.
The operation was aimed at ensuring that prices and supply of basic goods remain stable amidst the ongoing price freeze and a significant shift in national trade policy.
DTI Secretary and National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) Chair Cristina A. Roque and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the teams that inspected retailers at the Navotas Agora Public Market and Ever Supermarket.
After their inspection, 101 monitored stock keeping units (SKUs) of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) were in full compliance with the current suggested retail price (SRP) and price freeze (PF) bulletin.
The monitoring teams also checked other essential agricultural products, including meat, fish, and vegetables.
DTI Secretary Roque said the joint initiative reflects the government’s commitment to uphold President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure fair prices and protect consumers from exploitation, especially during a crisis.
“This joint operation with the Department of Agriculture is the foundation of our food security strategy. By ensuring the stable supply and fair pricing of rice, we are delivering on our promise to keep essential food items accessible to every Filipino family,” Secretary Roque said.
Secretary Roque added that the government is working for a “Bagong Pilipinas” where basic goods remain affordable while ensuring that legitimate businesses have fair return on investment.
The DTI and DA continue to implement these collaborative efforts, securing sustained consumer protection and market stability as the country implements the price freeze and rice import restrictions.