CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro is stepping up efforts to keep the cost of living affordable for families across Cebu. With at least 40 municipalities now actively tracking the cost of basic goods, the provincial government is sending a clear message: unfair price hikes will not be tolerated.
“I will not hesitate to take action to protect our consumers. That’s why we created the provincial price monitoring system," Governor Baricuatro said. "Thanks be to God, 40 municipalities are now actively monitoring prices.”
A team effort across the province
The initiative focuses on reviving Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs). These groups are required by law to prevent businesses from charging too much for essential items and to make sure everyone has access to affordable food and supplies.
Following a recent meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, 25 local government units (LGUs) committed to bringing these councils back to life. This group includes major cities like Bogo, Danao, and Mandaue, along with many smaller towns across the province.
How the monitoring works
To keep the system organized, each municipal council must submit a report every week. These reports list the current prices of essential goods, which helps the government spot trends and react quickly if prices start to climb unfairly.
This coordinated strategy is designed to keep prices stable, even when global events might normally cause supply issues or higher costs.
No need to panic
Government leaders are also reassuring the public that there is plenty of food and supplies to go around. Officials confirmed that Cebu has enough stock to last at least three months, meaning there is no reason for "panic buying" at local stores.
By strengthening these monitoring measures, Cebu is taking a proactive lead in making sure the market stays transparent and that every resident is protected from overpaying for the things they need most. (ABC)