The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has observed that establishments in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are generally compliant with the suggested retail prices (SRPs) for necessities and prime commodities amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
Rachel Nufable, officer-in-charge of DTI-Negros Occidental, said on Tuesday they monitor the prices based on the SRPs and submit the results to the local price coordinating council.
Although there are few stores with prices slightly higher than the SRPs, stores in the provinces are generally compliant, she added.
A prize freeze was implemented after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency on March 8 due to Covid-19.
The automatic price control (APC) or prize freeze was lifted on May 16.
Nufable said they send letters to establishments with prices slightly higher than the SRPs, asking them to explain.
“But stores in the provinces are generally compliant (with) the SRPs. Supplies are also sufficient,” she added.
After the APC has been lifted, DTI-Negros Occidental continued to use the SRPs issued by the agency in September 2019.
Based on the guidelines for basic necessities, the prices of 130 grams to 155 grams of canned sardines range from PHP 13.25 to PHP 17.25 depending on the brand.
Prices of condensed milk are pegged at PHP 57 to PHP 72; condensada, PHP 26 to PHP 54.50; evaporated milk, PHP 20.50 to PHP 57; evaporada, PHP 21 to PHP 26.25; and powdered milk, PHP 43.59 to PHP 73.30, depending on the brand and net weight.
For bread, a loaf costs PHP 21.50 to PHP 36 while pandesal, PHP 37 per pack of 10 pieces.
Detergent or laundry soap bar costs between PHP 16.35 and PHP 21, depending on the brand.
Prime commodities covered by the DTI include luncheon meat, meatloaf, corned beef, beef loaf, vinegar, patis, and soy sauce.
Under the September 2019 SRPs, 165 grams of luncheon meat costs at least PHP 32.50; meatloaf, PHP 16.30 to PHP 19.80; corned beef, PHP 18.50 to PHP 37; and beef loaf, PHP 15.75 to PHP 24.90, all depending on the brand and net weight.
Prices of vinegar range from PHP 6.75 to PHP 14.95; patis (fish sauce) PHP 9.90 to PHP 18.25; and soy sauce, PHP 9.20 to PHP 17.40, also depending on the brand and net weight. (Erwin Nicavera via pna)