In response to the ongoing volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental has initiated a 60-day price freeze on essential goods. This decision comes after the province was declared under a state of calamity, aiming to curb potential price gouging during this period of unrest. Nimfa Virtucio, the provincial director of DTI-Negros Oriental, announced that the price freeze, sanctioned by the regional office, will be enforced throughout the province. Prices will be adjusted according to the prevailing rates in each congressional district. A detailed list of the commodities affected by this freeze, which includes items like coffee, canned sardines, processed and powdered milk, instant noodles, detergent bars, and bottled water, will be made public in a local newspaper this weekend, adhering to legal stipulations. The prices are set based on the rates from the month before the calamity was declared. The state of calamity was officially recognized on December 27 and was approved by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria on January 8. Virtucio emphasized that this measure is crucial to prevent price manipulation during the crisis.
