The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is finalizing preparations for a price freeze of basic commodities in the province after it was declared under a state of calamity.

DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato said yesterday a price bulletin would be released considering that Negros Oriental has varied prices for basic commodities, depending on the area.

“We are deliberating with our regional director on whether we follow the suggested retail price or the prevailing prices to be imposed during the 60-day price freeze,” Bato said.

Areas such as capital Dumaguete City and those identified as “growth centers” have higher prices of basic commodities than the smaller areas, although they remain within the allowed price range, she noted.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared the province in a state of calamity on April 26 due to the El Niño-induced drought, which has caused extreme damages and losses to crops and assets.

Under Republic Act 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the DTI is mandated to impose a price freeze on basic commodities to prevent price skyrocketing and hoarding.

Bato said DTI personnel were in Sta. Catalina town on Monday, April 29, to impose a price freeze after the area was declared a state of calamity.

However, under the province-wide declaration, she said the DTI would have to revise its bulletin to cover the entire Negros Oriental.

Some of the essential commodities covered by the price freeze under the DTI’s jurisdiction are canned goods, coffee, noodles, candles, flour, sugar, bottled water, condensed milk, evaporated milk, laundry soap, and detergent. (PNA)