In response to a prolonged power outage, the Department of Trade and Industry in Surigao del Norte (DTI-SDN) has enacted a 60-day price freeze on essential goods in Siargao Island. This action follows the declaration of a state of calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Norte, which was prompted by the power crisis affecting nine towns since December 1. The price freeze, mandated by Republic Act 7581, aims to keep the prices of basic necessities at their current levels until the state of calamity is resolved or for 60 days, whichever comes first. Items covered under this regulation include canned fish, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture oversees the pricing of agricultural products such as rice, corn, cooking oil, various marine products, eggs, meat, fresh milk, vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fruits. The Department of Health regulates the prices of essential drugs, and the Department of Energy manages the prices of household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene. This measure is designed to protect consumers from price gouging during the ongoing power crisis. Violators of the price freeze could face fines from PHP5,000 to PHP1 million and imprisonment from one to ten years. As of now, the Department of Health, Department of Energy, and Department of Agriculture have not yet issued their own price control orders.
