• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered a 60-day price freeze on basic commodities in Negros Oriental due to the ill-effects of El Niño phenomenon.
In an advisory posted on the Negros Oriental provincial government website the DTI provincial office said that the price freeze on basic necessities was made in pursuant to the declaration of the Provincial Board on April 26, placing the province under a state of calamity.
The price freeze shall remain enforced until June 25 this year, unless sooner lifted, the DTI advisory stated.
Among the goods that are subject to price freeze are canned sardines, instant noodles, processed milk, bread, coffee, soap, salt, and bottled water.
Consumers are being enjoined to report retailers, who sell basic necessities at prices higher than the specified prices, to the DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Office.
The Price Act provides that any retailer found selling more than the listed prevailing prices shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1 million, or will face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
In declaring a state of calamity, the Negros Oriental Provincial Board said that the El Niño has caused substantial damage to the agriculture sector due to extreme heat, and decrease in water supply, which has resulted in losses in crop production and animal population.
Damage to the environment has been also reported as a result of wildfires, agricultural and grass fires, it added. | GB
