BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City government has sought the assistance of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Cordillera to determine why construction material prices remain high despite recent fuel price rollbacks.

City Administrator Vittorio Jerico Cawis requested Regional Director Raymond Panhon to assess prevailing construction material prices, noting that elevated costs continue to affect both government infrastructure projects and private construction.

Construction materials in Baguio typically cost 10 percent to 20 percent more than in Metro Manila due to higher transportation and logistics expenses associated with hauling supplies to the highlands.

Cawis said the sustained high prices have delayed the implementation of key public infrastructure projects, including roads, drainage systems, slope protection works, and public buildings.

He added that the situation also affects homeowners, small contractors, and families rushing to repair or renovate their properties before the onset of the typhoon season.

According to Cawis, unfinished structures caused by rising construction costs expose residents to greater safety risks and additional financial burdens.

The city government asked the DTI to monitor the prevailing prices of commonly used construction materials, including cement, steel bars, galvanized iron sheets, plywood, lumber, hollow blocks, electrical supplies, and plumbing materials.

It also requested inspections of establishments for compliance with price tag regulations, verification of whether current prices are justified by market conditions, and investigation of any possible hoarding or profiteering.

The city further sought a comparative analysis between local market prices and national reference rates, as well as enforcement action if violations are discovered.

While acknowledging that transportation costs and supply chain factors contribute to higher prices, the city government said oversight by the DTI is necessary to ensure fair pricing, transparency, and compliance with consumer protection laws.