7PRICES of basic goods and prime commodities in Central Luzon’s markets remain stable amid the strict implementation of Luzon-wide lockdown.
Based on the actual monitoring of major groceries, supermarkets and public markets in the seven provinces of Central Luzon, the Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-3) reported that prices of basic goods and prime commodities within the prevailing prices.
DTI-3 Regional Director Judith P. Angeles, citing the report from Consumer Protection Division, said that store visits by the DTI price monitoring teams for the first week of April 2020 in supermarkets, public markets and retail establishments in Central Luzon showed that prices of almost all items monitored were within the Suggested Retail Price table.
Angeles noted that since the declaration of a public health emergency on March 9, 2020, there is an Automatic Price Freeze on basic goods and prime commodities.
“All stores visited by inspecting team were compliant with the IATF advisories on limiting the number of items purchased per buyer, especially basic goods and prime commodities,” Angeles said.
Aside from price control, it was also noted that groceries and supermarkets were implementing social distancing policies among their customers and staff, Angeles further reported.
The regional director also noted that most groceries and supermarkets are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while public markets are usually half day.