PRICES of basic goods monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are not expected to increase over the rest of the year, the DTI said, citing commitments it obtained from manufacturers.
“For basic necessities and price commodities part of the 204 SKUs (stock keeping units), there is no price increase up to Dec. 31, 2026,” Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the DTI COCONUT Philippines Trade Fair on Thursday.
Following her recent meeting with manufacturers and retailers, Ms. Roque said she got them to agree to keep prices steady in the face of volatile energy prices, inflation, and the weak peso.
She noted, however, that the commitment does not cover items typically served during the Christmas feast, known in the Philippines as the Noche Buena.
Noche Buena goods are “a different discussion,” she said.
Manufacturers and retailers of basic goods are also adequately supplied until year’s end, Ms. Roque said.
“There’s no need to panic or hoard, they have enough supply,” she added.
The DTI regulates the prices of 204 SKUs to deter hoarding or price manipulation.
Controlled items include canned goods, milk, bread, noodles, salt, bottled water, detergent soap, laundry soap, batteries, candles, and condiments.
Meanwhile, Ms. Roque said loans are available from the Small Business Corp. (SBCorp.) for farmers and enterprises affected by El Niño.
“SBCorp. (is still) actively giving out loans,” she said. “We have so many loan programs, so I’m sure most of them can avail of those offerings.”
According to government estimates, as of Oct. 14, about 451,000 individuals have been affected by El Niño, which is expected to continue until the first half of 2027. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz