The image shows a green storefront of a shop in Santa Maria, Laguna, with a sign displaying the shop's name. A person stands at the entrance, while a vehicle is parked nearby. The right side of the image features the interior of the shop filled with various snacks and items, with a DTI personnel inspecting products displayed on the counter.

VICTORIA, LAGUNA – The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) conducted monitoring activities in areas affected by the Tropical Storm “Aghon” (international name: Ewiniar) on May 27, 2024, to observe the typhoon’s impact on public and private markets.

Two (2) teams from the DTI-Laguna went to public markets in Second, Third, and Fourth Districts of Laguna. DTI-Laguna Provincial Director Christian Ted Tungohan led Team Alpha, while DTI-Laguna Consumer Protection Division (CPD) Price and Supply Monitoring Officer Ronald Formentera led Team Bravo. Both teams interviewed the Market Masters and also observed the situation in supermarkets and grocery stores.

The following cities and municipalities in Laguna were visited: (Second District) Bay and Los Baños; (Third District) Calauan, Nagcarlan, and Rizal; (Fourth District) Famy, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria, and Siniloan.

Busy market aisle with vendors selling produce and goods, shoppers browsing, and bright overhead lighting.
Market scene with vendors and stalls, showing various produce and a busy atmosphere.

Based on the actual area monitoring and interview with the Market Masters as of May 27, 2024 (1500H), all public markets in the 18 areas visited were all operational. There were reported damages on the ceiling/roof structures and electrical wires/lines, but the public markets were back to normal operations and the power supply was restored a day after the typhoon. The roads going to public markets were all passable, but some areas were still affected by ankle-deep flooding. No panic buying was observed in all areas monitored.

Per the Situational Report on Typhoon “Aghon” (Sitrep #4) issued by the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on May 27, 2024 (1800H), there were damages to agriculture worth around Php700,000 in Kalayaan. There were also damages to livestock and poultry worth at least Php75,000 in the following areas: San Pablo City, Calauan, Pagsanjan, Pila, and Siniloan. In addition, no cities or municipalities in the Province of Laguna have declared under the state of calamity.

Not only during calamities, the DTI-Laguna CPD Team regularly monitors the price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities under DTI’s jurisdiction at least thrice a week to ensure the compliance of establishments with the suggested retail prices, the Price Act, and other fair trade laws. ♦

Date of release: 05 June 2024

Related posts:

03062024_DTI-Rizal-through-Negosyo-Center-Rodriguez-conducts-DTI-Programs-and-ServicesDTI Rizal through Negosyo Center Rodriguez conducts DTI programs and services to Montalban Action Group in Kasiglahan Village 05162024_DTI Laguna, SEC conduct roadshow on business name and one-person corporationDTI Laguna, SEC conduct roadshow on business name and one-person corporation registration in Calamba City DTI-Laguna Inspects Firms for the Bagwis Awards in the Key Cities of LagunaDTI-Laguna inspects firms for the Bagwis Awards in the key cities of Laguna Cong. Mike Tan, DTI-Quezon lead MOU Signing for 3PK BIDA Youth Program and Four K Kakao FarmCong. Mike Tan, DTI-Quezon lead MOU Signing for 3PK BIDA Youth Program and Four K Kakao Farm Default ThumbnailDTI, PGL provide competitiveness workshop for LGUs