By Apipa Bagumbaran
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 is intensifying its price monitoring activities and consumer education efforts, while preparing for the upcoming holiday season.
DTI Regional Information Officer Julie A. Nieva-Costales said the department continues to monitor the prices of basic and prime commodities every week, including processed milk, coffee, sardines, instant noodles, soap, detergent, and bottled water.
These efforts align with the DTI’s mandate to ensure stable prices and protect consumers across the region.
“Our role is to continue the monitoring and control of prices of basic necessities,” said Nieva-Costales during the Media Forum on Northern Mindanao August 2025 Inflation Report on Sept. 15.
“We also strengthen consumer education and empowerment—starting from students to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the general public—so everyone understands their rights and the government services available to them,” she added.
DTI-10 is also working closely with other government agencies through the Local Price Coordinating Council, headed by local chief executives, to ensure that essential goods remain accessible and affordable. The council coordinates with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), and other key agencies.
Nieva-Costales said the DTI will begin ramping up inspections of product standards, including non-food items such as Christmas lights. The agency plans to intensify enforcement by October, with the Bureau of Philippine Standards set to release a list of certified Christmas light brands.
For holiday food items, the DTI will release suggested retail prices (SRPs) for Noche Buena products by November to guide consumers in their purchases. (APB/PIA-10)
