DTI urges consumers to stay vigilant in buying commodities

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Occidental is reminding consumers to stay vigilant in buying commodities, especially this holiday season.

Rachel Nufable, DTI-Negros Occidental director, said they could not preempt if there’s a possible increase in the prices of Noche Buena products next month.

She, however, said that consumers have the right to choose a product from various brands which has a lesser price.

In fact, she said business establishments even have Noche Buena bundles as early as November so that consumers may spend less.

Nufable said that Noche Buena products are not part of the basic needs, thus they are not covered by the price freeze.

She, however, noted that not all Noche Buena products have suggested retail prices (SRPs).

Consumers should be vigilant in case there are changes in the prices of the commodities.

All sellers here and in the province were aware of the price freeze and follow the fair trade law.

Nufable said they have not received any complaints regarding overpricing. But in case of such a case, anyone can report it to DTI.

Western Visayas was placed under the State of Calamity due to the onslaught of Typhoon “Paeng,” thus prices of basic necessities were automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days, pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 7581, or the Price Act.