A 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in Davao Oriental has been enforced after the province was placed under a state of calamity following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 twin earthquakes on October 10, 2025.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the price freeze will be in effect from October 13 to December 12, 2025, unless the state of calamity declaration is lifted earlier.

DTI said the measure aims to ensure that prices of basic necessities remain stable and accessible to consumers while recovery and rehabilitation are underway.

Personnel of DTI-Davao Oriental have started monitoring prices in various establishments to ensure that goods are not being sold at abnormally high rates.

DTI-Davao Oriental said the initial monitoring covered establishments in Mati City and in the towns of Manay, Tarrago, Baganga, and Caraga.

Among the products monitored were canned goods, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap and detergents, salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.

DTI-Davao Oriental added that prices remain stable and are within the prescribed suggested retail price (SRP), based on results of the monitoring activities.

Authorities warned that establishments found violating the Consumer Act of the Philippines will face penalties.

“We at DTI will continue to closely monitor the prices of goods in business establishments to prevent overpricing, especially during this difficult time. We also encourage consumers to remain vigilant and report any irregularities” DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Director, Ma. Joycelyn Banlasan, was quoted as saying.

DTI reiterated that it will continue to monitor the prices of basic commodities in establishments to ensure compliance with the price freeze and to safeguard consumers from undue price increases.