The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental has started its price monitoring of noche buena (Christmas Eve) products in establishments as the holiday celebration begins to pick up.

DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato told the Philippine News Agency yesterday that the price monitoring started last month and covers seven major retailers in capital Dumaguete City.

“Our price monitoring team is undertaking a weekly price monitoring in these establishments following the receipt of a price guide from the DTI main office,” Bato said.

She said the monitoring covers the grocery stores/supermarkets of Robinsons Mall, Lee Super Plaza, Cang’s Inc. and City Mall, to name a few.

Noche buena products listed in the price guide include ham, fruit cocktail, mayonnaise, pasta, queso de bola, sandwich spread, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and other food products and ingredients used for the traditional Christmas Eve spread.

Bato said initial monitoring showed some prices rose slightly but are minimal.

She added that so far, there were no reports of hoarding or lack of supplies of those goods in the local markets.

Meanwhile, the DTI-Dumaguete also called on the public to be mindful of buying Christmas lights that do not meet the prescribed product and safety standards, such as having the PS and ICC marks.

Christmas lights without these marks are substandard and potential fire hazards.

Bato said their office will begin monitoring Christmas lights and related items next week. (PNA)