PRICE, SUPPLY CHECK. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque (left) and Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra (right) lead the special market monitoring of the prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities in Quinta Market in Quiapo, Manila, on Monday (Aug. 11, 2025). The move was part of their efforts to ensure that stores comply with the suggested retail prices and prevent hoarding or price manipulation, especially in areas affected by natural calamities. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday reported that prices of basic commodities at a wet market and supermarket in Manila are compliant with the suggested retail price (SRP) being implemented by the government.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque and DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra visited Quinta Market in Quiapo to ensure vendors’ compliance with the SRP and monitor the supply of basic necessities and prime commodities.
“Just like we normally do, we always check the prices of basic commodities, to make sure we are aware of the prices. We also want to make sure that the prices set by the DA, and for the DTI, the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities set by the DTI are being complied with,” Roque said in an interview.
“For the Quinta Market, the prices of fish, pork and poultry are good, especially on the price (of) pork, with a huge decrease. That’s also good news for us and also for the consumers. That’s what President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos wants, to make the prices of basic commodities affordable.”
She also reported, however, that vegetable prices are a bit high due to several factors.
“A little bit on higher side are the prices of vegetables, we expected that especially if the provinces, where the vegetables came from, were hit by storm. Also, transportation contributes to high prices. But soon, the prices will also go down since we already have good weather,” Roque said.
Rice prices
The DTI chief said they cannot control the prices of rice, especially imported, due to the price of dollar.
However, she added, consumers have a choice between imported or locally-produced rice depending on their budget.
“For the price of rice, sometimes we cannot control because of the price of the dollar. But there are now rice products that are affordable. Before, we don’t have rice prices at PHP35, PHP40 and PHP45, but now, we have this kind of prices,” Roque said.
“The public has a choice. This is also in support of our local farmers. This is good news to all.”
On the other hand, Guevarra vowed to investigate those who are reportedly imposing high prices on rice, although the ban on rice importation has yet to be implemented.
“Definitely, we will be looking into this since the importation ban is not yet in effect. We would like to remind them that we have Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice, they have to comply,” she said.
“Definitely, we will look into this and to know who are ordering the increase, the distributor, importer or retailer. We want to know since we have not implemented the importation ban.” (PNA)