By Ruth Mariano
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday visited a public market in San Juan City to oversee the monitoring of prices and supply of basic goods and agricultural products.
The inspection formed part of a coordinated initiative by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to maintain price stability and ensure adequate supply as tensions continue in the Middle East.
During the visit to Agora Market, Marcos, together with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, inspected various stalls selling essential goods.
The President said the government has been visiting different markets to monitor food prices and prevent sudden increases.
He also acknowledged vendors who have kept their prices unchanged despite the ongoing global developments.
According to Marcos, the government will continue its monitoring activities to ensure stable supply and reasonable pricing of commodities.
Roque said several manufacturers of everyday consumer products—such as canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, coffee, canned meat, and soap—have pledged to keep prices unchanged for the next 30 days.
Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel said the agriculture department is examining the option of setting a price ceiling for imported rice following reports of price increases in the market.
Rice prices have climbed to between PHP60 and PHP65 per kilo in certain areas.
To help manage the increase, the DA is studying the possibility of implementing a PHP50-per-kilo price cap on imported rice, as higher freight rates linked to the Gulf crisis continue to affect costs.
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