Manufacturers eye price freeze as El Niño looms
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Price-conscious with Philippine inflation rising for a third straight month in April, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, consumers carefully purchase goods at Paco Market in Manila.
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN LOUIE ABRINA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
The country’s manufacturers of various brands and goods have aired intentions to impose a price freeze amid the devastation of the El Niño phenomenon, especially for farmers.
In their recent meeting with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, manufacturers said they are willing to cooperate with the Trade Department in taking direct action to combat the risk of rising prices due to El Niño through a series of discussions on a possible price freeze.
The “Kapihan” discussion gathered industry key players such as Monde Nissin Corporation, Unilever Philippines, Inc., Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation, Nestle Philippines Inc., Procter and Gamble Philippines, Inc., Century Pacific Food Inc., Alaska Milk Corporation, CDO Foodsphere, Nutri Asia, SM Supermarket, and Robinsons Supermarket.
During the session with Secretary Pascual, representatives from leading manufacturers and retailers expressed openness to explore a voluntary price freeze on essential goods to ease the burden on Filipino families, despite the challenges posed by El Niño on their business operations.
Secretary Pascual praised the collaborative spirit of the industry: "At DTI, we are deeply committed to monitoring market conditions, advocating for consumer rights, and guiding our nation through these challenges. We are profoundly grateful for the industry's partnership in protecting the welfare of our community."
“What is good about this effort is that the voluntary price freeze will be felt by everyone, not only in areas under a state of calamity, but every Filipino consumer,” said Assistant Secretary Amanda Marie F. Nograles.
On the other hand, the “Kapihan” also discussed the DTI’s ongoing projects, such as the Clark Mega Food Hub and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) Online, which strengthen the link between farmers and retailers, further supporting the local economy and ensuring the availability of affordable food.
Secretary Pascual reiterated DTI's dedication to balancing consumer protection with a thriving business ecosystem.
Under the Price Act, enforced by DTI, prices of basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for up to 60 days, reflecting DTI's deep commitment to protecting Filipino consumers during critical times.
