A price freeze on all basic necessities is now in effect throughout Negros Occidental following the declaration of a state of calamity due to the impact of the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Cyclone “Crising” and the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson approved the Provincial Council’s Resolution No. 771, which imposes a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities to avoid hoarding of goods and predatory pricing.

Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterates that, under Section 6 of Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities in a locality proclaimed as a disaster area shall be automatically frozen.

This means that the prevailing prices must be maintained for a period of 60 days, unless the calamity declaration is sooner lifted.

“Daily monitoring of prices and supply of basic necessities is being conducted in all cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental,” assured DTI Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal.

Basic necessities under the jurisdiction of DTI include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled and containerized potable water, and locally-manufactured instant noodles, among others.

Meanwhile, under the Department of Agriculture, goods vital to the public’s sustenance and existence are rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried, and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, root crops, and sugar.

Liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, firewood, and charcoal are also categorized under such goods.

In a statement, DTI Negros Occidental said that the compliance of stores will be monitored regularly to ensure consumers’ access to essential goods and protection from unreasonable pricing amid this emergency.

The price freeze takes effect until September 22. (PIA Negros Occidental)