Over 35,000 families from 21 Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Negros Occidental have been affected by the impact of intense southwest monsoon (Habagat) enhanced by three tropical cyclones - #CrisingPH, #DantePH, and #EmongPH.

The figure has become the basis for the declaration of a state of calamity on July 24, 2025.

Along with the declaration, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Occidental has implemented a 60-day price freeze on prime commodities.

“Ang aming mino-monitor are the manufactured products, ang ating basic necessities na ating makikita sa groceries and supermarkets. This is to ensure na walang makapag-take advantage,” said Lynna Joy Cardinal, director of DTI Negros Occidental.

Stringent monitoring of the prices of canned goods, soap, bread, bottled water, processed milk, coffee, among other basic goods has been carried out, as of this writing.

Prices of rice, eggs, meat, chicken, fruits and vegetables are being monitored by the Department of Agriculture.

A store in Talisay City complies with the DTI directive despite quite low sales.  

"Walang bumibili. Ganun pa rin ang presyo. Kawawa naman ang mga consumer, wala na nga silang income, tataasan pa,” Inday, a store owner, said. But for May Mapiscay, a marketgoer who is also a victim of widespread flooding, the price freeze is already a huge help.

“Tulong po sa amin dahil nasa state of calamity pa tayo. Dahil mahirap ngayon, kumbaga, meron rin kaming pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan,” Mapiscay said.

As of posting time, the DTI has not logged any increase yet in prices of basic commodities.

“If ever na may makita tayo na higher than the frozen price, magse-send tayo ng letter of inquiry. Ngunit in times of calamity, wala nang explain-explain, automatic na violation yan,” Cardinal stressed.