Right after the issuance of Secretary Ramon M. Lopez of the commitment of the Department of Trade and Industry to constantly monitor prices of prime and basic commodities the DTI 12 Price Monitoring Team headed by the provincial directors of the DTI Offices from different provinces conduct monitoring in the malls, Super Mega Market and grocery stores to get an overview of the situation of the prices and supply of commodities such as varieties of rice, meat and fish as well as basic goods and prime commodities.
Because of the monitoring, a general impression of stability in prices of prime and basic commodities and sufficient supply were noted in general in the whole region in the early part of January until the period January 26 up to February 2, 2018, wherein the semi-monthly monitoring was conducted.
In Cotabato Province, for the same period, the prices of prime and basic commodities are stable with no price increase and there is no reported shortage of supply. However, an increase in the prices of soft drinks and juices was monitored beginning the January 15-21 period.
In South Cotabato: for the period, Jan. 15-21, 2018, there is no price increase on basic and prime commodities; and the supply is sufficient but there are reported significant increase in the prices of soft drinks. This carried on until the period Jan. 26-Feb. 2. Some goods e.g. Mega sardines were reported to have decreased in prices.
In Sultan Kudarat, for the same period also, no significant changes in the prices of Basic and Prime Commodities and no reported shortage of supply. Only soft drinks & juices do have increases of about P6 per piece/bottle were noted.
In Cotabato City, reports of increases of prices of soft drinks, i.e Coca Cola were noted during the 1st week of January due to supplier’s increase in SRP. Prices however, went back to its December price during the second week of January due to “rollback” of supplier’s SRP.
In the province of Sarangani, covering the same period, no significant changes of prices of necessities and prime commodities. There are enough supplies of goods and prices remain stable.
Lastly, in General Santos City, on the other hand, aside from no increase yet in prices of basic and prime commodities, some establishments have already sold out old inventories since December 2017. ♦