60-day price freeze in Davao Oriental after twin earthquakes

A 60-day price freeze on basic necessities is in effect in Davao Oriental, as it was placed under a state of calamity following the double earthquake that hit the province last Friday.

In an advisory, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded the public of the automatic price freeze, in effect from October 13, 2025, to December 12, 2025, following the magnitude 7.6 and 6.8 earthquakes and the declaration of a state of calamity by the province’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The Price Act defines basic necessities as goods vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence, such as rice, corn, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, canned goods, instant noodles, and milk, as well as daily use items like soap.

“This measure ensures that the prices of basic necessities remain stable and accessible to consumers during the period of rehabilitation,” the DTI said.

In a separate advisory, the Department of Energy (DOE) said a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cylinders—at 11 kilograms and below—and kerosene products is “now in effect and will remain valid for 15 days upon the declaration of the State of Calamity (SOC).” —VBL, GMA Integrated News