The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon province has reminded business establishments to abide by the 60-day price freeze on basic goods following the September 17 flash floods that devastated at least eight barangays here.
DTI Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Christopher Diaz said the price freeze will remain until November 17, 2025, unless the state of calamity declared by the local government is lifted earlier.
The city government declared a state of calamity on September 19.
To ensure compliance, DTI-Bukidnon issued letters of inquiry to 10 major stores in the city after observing price changes, though no significant hikes are expected.
DTI urged consumers to report retailers selling above the prevailing prices.
Items covered by the price freeze include canned goods, milk (condensed, evaporated, and powdered), coffee, soap, noodles, bottled water, and iodized salt.
However, milk products classified as supplements or nutritional milk are excluded.
Diaz clarified that medicines, liquified petroleum gas, fuel, fish, and meat fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, and Department of Energy.
Meanwhile, Josh Rey Caparoso of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO, who heads the rapid damage and needs assessment, said they are still receiving more information about flood-damaged vehicles, along with infrastructures, farms, houses, livestock, appliances, and other valuables.
He noted that figures continue to change due to the extensive destruction, with the final report expected this week.
As of September 29, five fatalities have been confirmed: Jaya Taña, 27; King Winston Adran, 13; Larry Labay, 53; Princess Kyarah Dacoycoy, 17; and Deejay Ark Taña Viña, 4.
Search and retrieval operations are ongoing for three missing individuals: Johnny Borbon, 63; Dina Consolacion, 48; and Andrea Vistal