DTI reminds sellers to observe price freeze on basic commodities

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded sellers that prices of basic necessities nationwide are frozen for 60 days following the declaration of a state of calamity throughout the country due to the African swine flu (ASF) outbreak.

Proclamation No. 1143, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 10, 2021, noted that ASF has spread to 2,571 barangays, 493 cities and towns, 46 provinces and 12 regions since it was first detected in 2019.

“Pursuant to Republic Act 7581, prices of all basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for a period of 60 days beginning May 10, 2021, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant,” the proclamation read.

This includes Central Visayas even if it remains ASF-free.

The DTI said canned and other food products, bottled water, dairy and common household or kitchen supplies are examples of basic commodities.

More than three million hogs were hit by ASF which translated to P100 billion in losses for the local hog sector and allied industries, and an increase in prices of pork products.

Protect Central Visayas

DA 7 Director Salvador Diputado urged concerned veterinarians and stakeholders in the livestock industry to help ensure that Central Visayas will remain in “green zone” status.

“It is very nice to hear that our region is a green zone, but if we miss preventing the entry, that will be a big challenge and tedious work,” he said.

Diputado said there’s a lot to be done in terms of beefing up the awareness campaign, especially on biosecurity protocols down to the barangay level.

“I encourage our local government units through our veterinarians to lobby for the crafting of a local ordinance on biosecurity protocols with inclusion of Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion. We need a holistic approach for the prevention and recovery of the swine industry,” Diputado said during the recently concluded workshop on the drafting of Bantay ASF sa

Barangay and establishment of an internal command system for ASF response. (JOB)

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