The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office has assured of ample supply of commodities in Negros Oriental throughout the Christmas season amid perceived extensive buying of certain relief goods for typhoon “Yolanda” victims in Leyte and other hard-hit areas.
Hermel Sun of the provincial DTI office on Thursday said a monitoring team he is leading continues to keep a close watch of business establishments, particularly in the provincial capital, Dumaguete City, to ensure there is no shortage of basic necessities.
So far, there is more than enough stocks to last throughout the end of the year for the twin celebrations of Christmas and New Year, he said. Business establishments had made sure they had supplies to cater to the needs of consumers as early as November for the Halloween celebration and onwards to the upcoming city fiesta this week, he added.
Also, distributors and dealers of commodities have assured the DTI of regular re-stocking of supplies usually on a weekly basis, except for bigger establishments that replenish their goods monthly with their merchandise being shipped out of Manila, according to Sun.
Last week, a number of people were said to have complained of dwindling stocks of sardines and noodles, the very common items being bought in bulk by those donating relief goods to typhoon-ravaged areas.
Sun, however, said he did not receive any reports of shortage, believing it was a temporary event with distributors and dealers being able to refill the shelves at business outlets.
In a related development, Sun said the DTI has also not received any reports yet of establishments violating the price control on certain basic necessities after the government declared a national state of calamity.
He urged the public to report to the DTI if any establishment has increased the prices of commodities covered by the price freeze, to include canned sardines, milk, detergent and coffee refill, among others.
The prize freeze is in effect in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor by virtue of Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 of the Price Act. (PNA)
