Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque checked supermarkets in Cebu if they have complied with the price freeze implemented on goods following the calamities that struck the island. The province is under a state of calamity.

Equipped with a grocery list, Leonila Baliguat, a shopper, checked thoroughly the prices of grocery items before adding these to cart.

“Tan-awon jud nako, kay naa baya’y uban nga mosaka, unya baligya baya gyud ni amo isaka pod," Baliguat said.

Vivian Batomalaque, another customer, said she opts for products with lower prices. “Pilion jud nako asa maka-lower ang price, nihit pod baya ang kwarta karon,” Batomalaque said.

Roque checked prices of basic commodities such as canned milk, noodles, water, among others.

“We do spot checks, sinusuri ba presyo sa DTI, at ang mandato ng Pangulo na wala tayong price increase kasi nasa price freeze pa po tayo for the next 60 days… actually, the whole country is naka-price freeze because we are under a state of calamity,” Roque said.

Roque inspected supermarkets in Talisay City and found out there are commodities offered at prices lower than the SRPs which made her happy.

She called on consumers to be vigilant and to report immediately should they spot any price hikes. “If you find any, pwede magsumbong sa 1-384 o pwede kayong magsumbong basically sa office reporttosec@dti.gov.ph at definitely i-aaddress natin,” Roque assured.

As Christmas season nears, DTI has released a price guide on Noche Buena items, such as on ham, fruit cocktail, among others.

Further, Roque checked prices of Noche Buena items to ensure the SRPs are being followed. “We are happy to inform you that a lot of items have no price increase kung ang presyo last year 2024, yun din po ang presyo [ng] maraming brands… ham, cheese,” Roque added.