Classes in Kabayan remain suspended until Friday, September 21 as per extension of Memo No. 63-18. At least 5 barangays of the municipality were reported isolated.
Itogon earlier suspended classes also until Friday.
Ont the other hand, The municipalities of Mayoyao in Ifugao and Aguinaldo in Kalinga have declared under State of Calamity by their respective LGUs due to the effects of typhoon Ompong.
The provinces Benguet, Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga have been declared under State of Calamity earlier.
In relation with this, the the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reminding business establishments and consumers that price freeze on basic commodities is automatically in effect in areas placed under the state of calamity.
Republic Act 7581, the Price Act of the Philippines, allows the automatic price control in areas that are proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under state of calamity.
Items covered by the price control are basic necessities and prime commodities listed or being monitored by the DTI and those under regulation of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Kerosene and LPG used for cooking as well as bottled drinking water are also included in the price freeze.
Under Section 6 of RA 7581, unless otherwise declared by the President, prices of basic necessities in an area under state of calamity shall be frozen at their prevailing price.
The President is also given the power to impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity or prime commodity which prevailing price is found to be excessive or unreasonable.
Any person found violating this provision of the act shall be penalized of imprisonment for a period of not less than one year nor more than 10 years; a fine of not less than P5, 000 nor more than P1 million, or both at the discretion of the court.
By: ARMANDO M. BOLISLIS
Banner photo: Relief goods from DSWD for Kabayan are being airlifted by helicopter. Photo from DSWD Facebook page.