The Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) is intensifying the monitoring of essential goods after a State of Calamity was declared in the region due to El Niño as per Proclamation No. 002 Series of 2024, released by the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) on April 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of MTIT)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) is intensifying price monitoring of basic necessities following the implementation of a State of Calamity in the region due to El Niño.
After the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) released Proclamation No. 002 Series of 2024 on April 29, 2024, Minister Abuamri Taddik instructed the directors to collaborate with relevant LGUs and the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to ensure the effective enforcement of this order.
Through this proclamation, it will aid the affected communities and expedite the significant interventions of the Bangsamoro government, including response operations and recovery efforts.
“They are tasked with intensifying their efforts to monitor the pricing and availability of essential goods under the ministry’s jurisdiction,” Taddik said.
Republic Act (RA) 7581, also known as the Price Act of the Philippines, suggests that “prices of basic necessities (BN) are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for sixty (60) days once a state of calamity (SOC) is declared in an area.”
Among the BN products to be monitored by the MTIT are canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.
In the last week of April 2024, the state weather bureau, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), reported in its heat index bulletin that 33 areas in the country were classified under the “danger” heat index, with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 47°C—including Cotabato City and Maguindanao areas within the Bangsamoro region.
The Ministry also warns retailers to refrain from selling basic necessities more than the specified prices.
Consumers may report violators to MTIT Regional Office and Provincial Offices at the hotline numbers specified below:
MTIT Regional Office: 09678255847, 09364601973, or 557-2819
MTIT Maguindanao: 09974979647, 9300848942, or 557-2474
MTIT Lanao del Sur: 09811167616
MTIT Tawi-Tawi: 09275177701 or 09630964398
MTIT Sulu: 09754246051
Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism- Basilan Provincial Office: 09166123265
“This measure aims to compel business establishments to adhere to the imposed price freeze, thereby safeguarding consumer interests during this period of economic crisis,” added Taddik. (Aisah Abas/BIO)
