The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is maintaining tight coordination with manufacturers and retailers through weekly meetings and nationwide monitoring to ensure stability in the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in an interview on DZRH’s Special on Saturday (SOS) that price stability measures remain in effect until May 10, following successive extensions agreed upon in consultations with industry stakeholders.
The arrangement, according to Roque, is part of an ongoing review process that initially covered shorter periods before being extended to April 30 and later to May 10.
“Nag-me-meet po kami ng manufacturers and retailers on a weekly basis,” Roque said.
“Mag-meet kami this incoming week and then i-update ulit namin yung mga consumers kung ano yung napag-usapan namin,” she added.
She added that the government’s approach combines negotiation and monitoring, allowing both the state and private sector to respond to changing market conditions while keeping prices steady for consumers.
Nationwide monitoring system in place
The DTI said it is actively tracking 205 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of essential goods sold in supermarkets and grocery chains nationwide.
Its 18 regional offices conduct daily price checks as part of a monitoring system designed to detect sudden movements in commodity prices and ensure compliance with agreed pricing levels.
“May departamento talaga ito in the DTI, whether may crisis like this or none. So, nag-monitor talaga sila ng presyo. We really do that. Ever since the past pa yan, ginagawa na," she stated.
Roque said the system enables real-time coordination across regions, ensuring that prices remain consistent from Luzon to Mindanao.
No panic buying urged
Despite global pressures such as fuel price fluctuations and logistics costs, Roque said manufacturers have largely cooperated with government efforts to maintain stable prices.
She noted that some companies that earlier requested price adjustments later withdrew their proposals after consultations.
Roque also stressed that supply conditions remain stable, citing industry statements that supermarket shelves are well-stocked with basic goods.
“Hindi na kailangan mag-panic and no need to hoard kasi we have enough food supply,” she said.
“‘Yong presidente ng supermarket ng Robinsons, he also reiterated, walang problema sa supply. Madaming supply… Even the DA Secretary said, wala tayong problema sa pagkain. Marami po tayong pagkain," she added.
The DTI said it continues to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on agricultural products, while focusing its own monitoring on supermarket and grocery items.
Roque said the broader strategy involves constant coordination with stakeholders to prevent unnecessary price volatility while ensuring supply chain stability.
The agency is expected to issue another update following next week’s meeting with manufacturers and retailers, including possible next steps beyond May 10.
