The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Occidental Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC), conducted an online awareness session April 25 on price tagging compliance.
The activity was aimed at promoting compliance with price tagging regulations for consumer products in public markets across the province. It also strengthened awareness and enforcement of relevant laws, such as the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), the Price Tag Law (RA 71), and pertinent DTI department administrative orders, all of which require the proper display of prices on retail goods to uphold consumer rights and promote market transparency.
The session was attended by 75 participants representing various sectors, including LGU market supervisors, market vendors’ associations, Local Price Coordinating Councils, City and Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Councils, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Negros Occidental, and the Department of Agriculture VI-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).
Reginald Hudierez, senior trade-industry development specialist of DTI Negros Occidental-Consumer Protection Unit, emphasized the importance of proper price tagging and its role in promoting ethical trade practices.
Sheila Marie Entero, agriculturist II and PAFC coordinator, discussed PAFC Resolution 03-2025, which seeks to institutionalize the mandatory price tagging of agricultural and fishery commodities in all public markets within the province, the DTI NegOcc said in a press release April 28.
“DTI not only monitors compliance with price tagging in stores selling basic and prime commodities, but also advocates for transparency that builds trust among producers, vendors, and consumers,” DTI Negros Occidental director Lynna Joy Cardinal said. “By clearly displaying prices, we empower consumers, promote fair competition, and contribute to a more efficient and profitable marketplace.”
OIC Provincial Agriculturist and PAFC co-chairperson Dina Genzola, meanwhile, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving an effective implementation. “A strong support system involving all stakeholders is key. We are committed to helping disseminate this information through people’s organizations and LGUs, and we will integrate this initiative into our regular programs.”
The orientation was conducted in support of the call of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to institutionalize and enforce the price tag requirement for agricultural and fishery commodities in the province, the DTI said. ||
