The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) inspected wet and dry market goods at the Commonwealth Public Market on February 12. The joint effort seeks to ensure fair pricing for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., joined by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, led the price monitoring. The team visited seven wet market stalls to check the prices of meat, poultry, vegetables, and fish. They also monitored 133 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of essential canned goods, processed foods, and other condiments at a nearby grocery chain.
“We are pleased to report that prices of BNPCs across public markets and grocery stores have remained stable, with only minimal increases observed. Vendors and manufacturers are also adhering to government-set price standards. This indicates that our ongoing initiatives and active discussions effectively encourage business compliance,” said Secretary Roque.
Building on previous collaborative market rounds with the DA, the DTI has also conducted nationwide inspections of rice prices to enforce the DA’s rice regulations for public market vendors.
“The DTI fully supports the President’s ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign to guarantee affordable rice for all Filipinos. We will strengthen and expand our price monitoring efforts with the DA to ensure no Filipino is left behind,” emphasized Trade Chief and National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) Chair Roque.
DTI Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero urged consumers to make responsible shopping choices.
“As consumers, we have the right to accurate pricing and quality options, which we can verify through price boards and the ‘Timbangan ng Bayan’ (public weighing scales). With the many options available, vigilance is all it takes to make informed and fair decisions,” he said.
Several DA officials attended the inspection, including Undersecretary Roger Navarro and Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, and Director Junibert De Sagun. Food Terminal Inc. President Joseph Rudolph Lo was also present.
Chaired by the DTI, the NPCC plays a key role in price stabilization, ensuring that essential goods remain available at fair and reasonable prices for consumers and businesses.