FPI backs DTI move to hold prices, urges stronger public-private partnership

After the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that no price increase would be imposed toward the end of the year for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) as manufacturers agreed to hold prices, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said public and private partnership must continue to be strengthened.

Aside from BNPCs, the FPI also commended the DTI for working closely with manufacturers to keep Noche Buena staples affordable, with half of products retaining their prices and 95 items seeing only minimal increases.

“This shows that industry and government can collaborate effectively to protect Filipino families during the holiday season. Manufacturers have stepped up, absorbing higher costs from fuel, logistics, packaging, and raw materials — even as recent typhoons disrupted local supply chains. This commitment reflects their dedication to consumers and to sustaining holiday traditions,” said Beth Lee, chairperson of the FPI, in a statement on Tuesday.

FPI is an umbrella organization representing producers and manufacturers in the Philippines.

Compliance amid headwinds

Despite this, the group noted that food costs are still being pushed upward by global and local pressures.

“(This includes) peso’s depreciation, which makes imported inputs more expensive; fuel and logistics costs remain elevated; packaging materials have risen in price globally; and recent typhoons would obviously disrupt local supply chains, especially in the hardest hit areas,” she said.

Lee said these pressures can continue to build, and while manufacturers are absorbing them for now, larger firms are better positioned to do so than smaller producers.

“To build on the success of collaboration between government and producers, proactive measures are needed to make price stability truly sustainable. Strengthening agricultural recovery programs, ensuring affordable access to raw materials, reducing logistics bottlenecks, and maintaining predictable trade and regulatory policies will help ease current pressures,” she added.

She emphasized that these steps will move the country toward resilience that goes beyond seasonal adjustments and ensures long-term stability for both industry and consumers.

“This way, we can not only safeguard consumers from sudden price shocks but also support the long-term competitiveness of local manufacturers. The Noche Buena price guide is proof that shared responsibility works. With continued government support, industry can keep food affordable while safeguarding growth potentials — a win for both manufacturers and Filipino households,” Lee said.