The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is conducting weekly price monitoring of commodities during the holiday season, amid a price freeze that excludes Noche Buena items, an official said yesterday.

Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson and head of the consumer protection division, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that weekly price monitoring will prevent retailers from exploiting the holidays by increasing the prices of consumer goods.

“The DTI has released a price guide for Noche Buena items to assist consumers in choosing stores that offer lower prices,” Bato said.

The DTI guide lists prices for key holiday staples within specific ranges, including ham, fruit cocktail, all-purpose cream, nata de coco, kaong, queso de bola, cheese, mayonnaise, and others.

Bato encouraged the public to utilize the Consumer Welfare Desks at major retail stores for complaints about consumer goods prices and other issues.

Negros Oriental remains under a state of calamity, so the price freeze is still in effect following the devastation caused by recent typhoons.

Bato said that so far, major retailers here, particularly those participating in DTI’s e-Presyo program, are either adhering to the price guidelines or providing prices below the agency’s recommended prices.

Meanwhile, the DTI is also inspecting Christmas lights to ensure they meet government standards, while also releasing a list of the brands of fireworks that are registered under mandatory certification, she added. (PNA)