By JEN BAYLON

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental imposed a price freeze on basic commodities in three local government units (LGUs) in the province following the declaration of a state of calamity due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

DTI-Negros Occidental head Lyna Joy Cardinal said the 60-day price freeze has been implemented in Kabankalan City and the municipalities of San Enrique and Valladolid.

The three LGUs were under a state of calamity after recording agricultural damage due to drought caused by El Niño.

However, San Carlos City, also under a state of calamity, was not included in the prize freeze bulletin.

At least 31 LGUs in Western Visayas have been declared under a state of calamity due to drought.

Under Republic Act 7581, also known as the Price Act Law, business establishments in areas placed under a state of calamity are prohibited from increasing the prices of basic goods, such as sardines, milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, soap, water, and candles.

The DTI will also conduct price monitoring to ensure that business establishments will not take advantage of the crisis./JB, WDJ