The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bukidnon has declared a price freeze in all basic necessities in Valencia City following the declaration of a state of calamity after the massive flooding on September 17, 2025.

DTI-Bukidnon said the price freeze will last for 60 days or until November 17, 2025, unless the state of calamity is lifted earlier.

Consumers are urged to report any retailer found selling basic necessities above the prevailing prices.

“Under the Price Act, violators may be penalized with an administrative fine of up to ₱1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years,” DTI-Bukidnon said.

The city was placed under a state of calamity on Friday, September 19, after the massive flooding caused an estimated P62 million in damages.

According to the local government, the estimated damage to all houses destroyed reached more than P44 million, based on initial reports.

The damage to agricultural crops was pegged at more than P1 million while the damage to road infrastructure reached P17 million.

The declaration of a state of calamity allows the local government to use the P33 million quick response fund (QRF) for disaster response efforts, assistance to affected residents, and other interventions.

Among the plans mapped out by the local government is the relocation of affected residents by building homes at identified sites in Barangay Lumbo, Hindangon Poblacion, and Pinatilan.

Based on report from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the number of families affected has reached 2,623.

The eight barangays affected include Bagontaas, Barobo P4a, Colonia, Lumbo, Mailag, Poblacion, Sugod, and Tugaya.

The local government, concerned agencies, and volunteer groups continue to provide assistance, including food and non-food items, to affected residents. Flood victims also underwent a stress debriefing and other psychological interventions.

Up to 4,500 concessionaires were also affected by the water service interruption caused by the flooding, according to the Valencia City Water District. However, the water supply in the affected areas has almost been fully restored.

As of this writing, five people have been confirmed dead and identified by the local government as Jaya Taña, 27; King Winston Adran, 13; Larry Labay, 53; Princess Kyarah Dacoycoy, 17; and Deejay Ark Taña Viña, 4.

Search and retrieval operations continue for three other missing persons identified as Johnny Borbon, 63; Dina Consolacion, 48; and Andrea Vistal, 2.