19/08/2026
๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐
๐ซ๐๐๐ณ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3) reminds retailers and consumers that an automatic price freeze on basic necessities is in effect in areas declared under a State of Calamity, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act.
The price freeze covers the entire Province of Pampanga, Calumpit, Bulacan, and Masinloc, Zambales, following the declaration of a State of Calamity in the respective areas.
Under Section 6 of RA 7581, prices of basic necessities in areas under a State of Calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices prior to the declaration. The automatic price control remains effective for 60 days, unless sooner lifted by the President.
The measure aims to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases and ensure the continued availability and affordability of essential goods during and after a calamity.
Among the basic necessities covered by the price freeze are canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled water, and locally manufactured instant noodles.
DTI-3 will continue to monitor the prices and supply of covered products in retail establishments in the affected areas.
DTI-3 urges retailers and other establishments to comply with the automatic price freeze and maintain the prevailing prices of covered basic necessities. Consumers are likewise encouraged to be vigilant and report establishments found selling covered products above the prevailing prices.
The Department will continue coordinating with local government units and other concerned agencies to ensure the availability of basic necessities and protect consumers in calamity-affected communities.
For consumer concerns and complaints, the public may contact the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or reach out through the official DTI channels.
DTI-3 remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and reasonably priced, especially during times of calamity.
Department of Trade and Industry - Aurora Province DTI Bataan DTI Bulacan DTI Nueva Ecija Provincial Office DTI Pampanga DTI Tarlac DTI - Zambales
