THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have intensified joint market monitoring operations across public markets to protect consumers from unjustified price spikes and ensure strict adherence to government pricing guidelines.
The heightened surveillance follows a joint inspection conducted on August 4 at the New Las Piñas City Public Market.
During the operation, officials from both agencies inspected 18 public market stalls to audit prevailing prices for staple goods, essential food products, and agricultural goods.
Beyond monitoring price tags, inspectors tested local weighing scales to ensure vendors deliver accurate quantities to buyers.
The market monitoring drive forms a key component of the administration’s broader UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport) initiative.
The effort aims to stabilize market conditions, preserve household purchasing power, and protect consumers following the removal of the ₱50-per-kilogram rice ceiling in June.
“In addition to DTI’s regular monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities, we are working closely with the DA to track market conditions following the lifting of the P50 rice price cap,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Atty. Regino Mallari. “Our objective is to guarantee that our markets adhere to the government’s guidelines for fair pricing.”
The timing of these joint operations is critical, coming amid the local palay lean harvest season when supply constraints typically exert upward pressure on retail prices.
The market inspections directly support the Agriculture Department’s July recommendation to the National Price Coordinating Council to reimpose the ₱50-per-kilogram rice price cap for an additional 60 days.
Data gathered from these market visits will provide evidence-based insights to help policymakers decide on further price stabilization measures.
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining transparent trading practices, curbing overpricing, and ensuring continuous access to affordably priced essential goods for Filipino families.
Trade officials urge the public to report instances of suspected overpricing, scale tampering, or unfair sales practices.
Complaints can be submitted through the DTI Hotline at 1-384 or via email at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph and ReportToSec@dti.gov.ph. Additional details on government market interventions are available at https://uplift.gov.ph/.
