PRICE FREEZE. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay provincial director Noel Bunao confirms on Monday (May 18, 2026) that establishments in the province are compliant with the ongoing price freeze. At least eight local government units in Albay affected by the ongoing unrest at Mayon Volcano are under a state of calamity. (Photo courtesy of DTI-Albay)
LEGAZPI CITY – More than 50 establishments within Albay province’s local government units (LGUs) under a state of calamity are complying with the price freeze, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday.
In a phone interview, DTI Albay provincial director Noel Bunao said the LGUs covered by the price freeze include the cities of Legazpi, Ligao, and Tabaco, as well as the municipalities of Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Camalig. All are under a state of calamity due to the continuing unrest of Mayon Volcano.
“Based on our monitoring since May 5, the start of the 60-day price freeze, all establishments have been compliant. Price bulletins are in place in different LGUs,” he said.
Bunao clarified that under Republic Act (R.A.) 7581, or the Price Act, at least 11 products are monitored. These include processed and manufactured goods such as canned goods, noodles, laundry soap, milk, coffee, bread, and candles, among others.
He said the measure aims to keep basic goods affordable and accessible to affected communities during the ongoing volcanic unrest and subsequent recovery efforts.
“Let’s also be clear that sari-sari (convenience) stores are not included in the price freeze or in our monitoring,” he added.
Under R.A. 7581, national government agencies responsible for price monitoring during a price freeze include the Department of Agriculture for meat, vegetables and rice; the Department of Energy for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel products; the Department of Health for medicines; and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for charcoal and forest products.
Bunao added the monitoring team is conducting weekly inspections to ensure ongoing compliance across all establishments.
The price freeze is implemented pursuant to Provincial Resolution No. 0579-2026, which declares a state of calamity in Albay’s affected areas. (PNA)
