DTI enforces 60-day price freeze in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on all basic necessities in Negros Occidental following the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to tropical cyclone Crising and the outbreak of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI).

DTI-Negros Occidental announced the measure Monday via social media, citing Section 6 of Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, which authorizes the freezing of prevailing prices or automatic price control for up to 60 days in areas declared under a state of calamity or emergency.

“Unless sooner lifted by the governor, price control of basic necessities shall remain for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days,” the DTI said in its advisory.

Basic goods covered under the freeze include canned fish and marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled drinking water, and locally manufactured instant noodles.

The DTI said it will regularly monitor prices, supply levels, and store compliance throughout the price freeze period, which is expected to end on Sept. 22.

Violators face imprisonment of one to 10 years or a fine between PHP5,000 and PHP1 million, or both, at the court’s discretion.

In light of the state of calamity, the DTI also announced that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province are now eligible to apply for assistance under the Enterprise Rehabilitation Financing Program.

Loans of up to PHP300,000 are available, payable over a maximum of three years.

Interested applicants may visit the nearest DTI office or Negosyo Center in their area.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 0771, Series of 2025, on July 24 following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

The resolution cited the effects of the southwest monsoon, or habagat, enhanced by the typhoon, which caused severe property damage, displaced more than 35,000 families, and disrupted livelihoods in 21 of the province’s 31 local government units.

Alongside the typhoon’s impact, the Provincial Council highlighted the alarming spread of the RSSI, which had infested 2,876.28 hectares of sugarcane plantations, affecting 1,574 farmers in 113 barangays.

The council said the declaration was necessary to allow the immediate release of emergency funds, stabilize prices of basic goods, and facilitate rescue, relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.