By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is appealing for cooperation among local traders as overpricing in typhoon-hit areas in Negros Occidental is still rampant.

Following the onslaught of super typhoon “Odette” earlier this month, Lacson said the first price increase they noticed was on the generator sets.

There is also a noted price increase in dressed chicken, especially as the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) had earlier reported that over one million chickens may have perished when the typhoon hit.

There is also a noted price increase in pork products.

Lacson said it is automatic that after the disaster there should be a price control on primary commodities, although some items such as construction materials are not under price control.

“We will continue to monitor and coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry,” Lacson said.

The governor is also studying a proposal to sign an executive order which would also include other products under price control.

“It depends on the [Provincial Legal Office] if that is possible,” he explained.

Lacson appealed to local traders not to take advantage, noting that some whom they have caught overpricing their products are reasoning that their price increase was due to the suppliers.

“I am touching on their conscience. Let’s not take advantage of the situation by raising the price just so they could earn more money,” he said.

Earlier, Lacson placed the entire province of Negros Occidental under a “state of calamity” after super typhoon “Odette” caused nearly P6 billion worth of damages.

Aside from the declaration, Lacson also declared a price freeze on primary commodities in the province./DGB, WDJ