THIS year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joined forces with the Anti-African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force to strengthen not only the price monitoring of Noche Buena items but also to ensure that pork products are ASF-free.
Rozanne Marie San Juan, DTI-Northern Mindanao Trade and Industry specialist, said the annual inspection aims to inform the public as well as grocery owners that products should be with the Suggested Retail Price (SRP).
San Juan said consumers should check the SRPs of Noche Buena products at www.dti.gov.ph, to serve as a price guide for consumers as they prepare for the holidays.
If a product’s price is above SRP, San Juan urges consumers to report it to DTI or call them through their hotline 857-4034.
“If we found many products with prices above the SRP, we will send them a letter of inquiry and request them to correct it, mag-response pud dayon na sila. Kung balikan nato pero wala pa gihapon action, then we will issue notice of violation,” she added.
Meanwhile, City Health Officer Dr. Lucien Acac said they are closely looking for the processed meat products sold in the markets.
He said they will ship back the products to the place of origin if these are found to have entered the city despite the temporary pork ban issued last September.
Acac also assured consumers that supply of meat products is enough during the holiday season.
“We have supply coming from areas nga walay ASF plus daghan pud local supplies so walay angay kabalak-an,” he said.
Lawyer Edgardo Uy, chairperson of the City Price Coordinating Council (CPCC), also urged consumers to be vigilant and always ask questions before buying a certain product.
“Duna man tay katungod mosusi sa presyo niini, dili lang ta mataha since we have the right to be informed sa product nga atong paliton,” he said.
Also present during the monitoring was City Councilor George Goking who is also appealing to mall owners to comply and follow government regulations.