DTI ramps up inspections to enforce Noche Buena price guide

The Department of Trade and Industry said it will intensify its rounds and inspections of supermarkets to verify compliance with the Noche Buena Price Guide, citing the benefit to consumers during the holiday season.

“Intensive inspection was the mandate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as he urged supermarket owners to have no movement of prices until January 2026 for basic necessities and prime commodities, especially for the Noche Buena items,” Secretary Cristina Roque said in a recent press conference.

Roque added that the Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. has assured the government through a letter that no price increase will be implemented on processed meat products such as ham, luncheon meat and hotdogs, which are staples for Noche Buena.

“For our consumers, it’s good to know the prices of the items to ensure that we will not be fooled, especially if we have a strict budget. I advise them to choose the items that have rolled back prices,” she said.

DTI released the updated prices of Noche Buena items last month. Of the 256 holiday food items across 14 categories, 129 retained their prices while 95 posted minimal increases due to higher costs of ingredients, packaging and labor. The guide also includes new categories such as nata de coco and kaong to reflect increased demand for dessert ingredients.

“With the price freeze on basic necessities and the adjusted prices reflected in the new guide, the DTI continues to follow the President’s call to keep essential goods and holiday items within reach of Filipino families,” Roque said.

Consumers may check the complete 2025 Noche Buena Price Guide through the DTI website and social media pages. Reports or complaints may be sent to the 1-DTI Hotline (1-384) or via ReporttoSec@dti.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, Roque said the agency will also conduct inspections in Divisoria and Baclaran to ensure that Christmas lights sold to consumers bear the Philippine Standards (PS) Mark.

“These Christmas lights should indeed have the PS Mark and passed testing from the DTI to ensure that they are safe to use. Our consumers should be vigilant about untested Christmas lights that pose dangers to our homes. Our e-commerce bureau is also checking Christmas lights being sold online,” Roque said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection, in a Facebook post, advised the public to ensure that Christmas lights are certified and in good condition, to check for damaged wires or loose bulbs, and to always switch everything off before leaving home or going to sleep. “Let’s celebrate the season with joy, not emergencies. Stay safe, stay alert, and keep your home fire-free this Christmas,” the BFP said.