QUEZON CITY, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), intensified its inspection in Murphy Public Market on January 10 to closely monitor the prices and supply of basic commodities.
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who also chairs the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), underscored the significance of inter-agency collaboration for market stability.
“In ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ empowered consumers are our priority. We ensure this by strengthening the DTI’s price and supply monitoring across the country. Our goal is to guarantee fair prices and access to essential goods for all,” Roque said.
“We are working closely with the DA and local government units. This collaborative approach will allow us to better protect consumer rights and ensure the well-being of all Filipinos,” the trade chief added.
The joint inspection tracked the prices of agricultural and processed basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs), such as canned sardines, canned milk, bread, and rice. The joint team also assessed the quality and prices of goods sold at three rice stalls, and inspected Kadiwa ng Pangulo stalls that offered affordable rice.
Meanwhile, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inspection of agricultural goods in 17 wet market stalls selling seafood, meat, vegetables, and poultry.
The inspection team included DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary Teodoro Agaton Uvero, DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Regino Mallari Jr., DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, and DA-Agribusiness, and Marketing Assistance Service Director Junibert De Sagun.
Representatives from the Quezon City government’s Business Licensing and Permits Division, Market Development and Administration Department, and Food Terminal Inc. assisted the inspection team.
To further safeguard consumer welfare, the joint team also verified the accuracy of the “Timbangan ng Bayan” public weighing scales available in wet markets to ensure that consumers can accurately confirm the weight of their purchases.
“The DTI takes a proactive lead in monitoring and enforcing fair pricing in our markets. Through our continuous surveillance and intensified enforcement, we are committed to safeguarding consumers from profiteering and other acts of price manipulation, ensuring they are not burdened by unjust price hikes,” said ASec. Uvero.
This joint price monitoring initiative follows recent discussions between the DTI, DA, and other key government agencies and other stakeholders in the rice industry, including millers, traders, importers, and retailers to address the issue of high rice prices despite government interventions such as tariff cuts.
As of January 9, 2025, rigorous price checks have been conducted in nine wet markets, covering 22 rice retailers, and 12 individual rice vendors.
“The DTI-FTEB will continue to support and enhance price monitoring of basic goods and maintaining the stability of supply at all times, without denying legitimate businesses a fair return on investment as mandated by the Price Act,” Dir. Mallari affirmed.
Consumers are encouraged to report complaints of violations against retailers selling BNPCs through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph or reporttosec@dti.gov.ph.