By Alec Go
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday assured there is sufficient supply of basic commodities in the country amid the upcoming holiday season.
DTI Undersecretary Rush Castelo said there are some products whose prices will increase by December, but the agency will soon release the suggested retail price (SRP) for Noche Buena products.
“Never in the past naman wala tayong naririnig na kulang na tayo ng supply, lalo na ‘pag parating ang Pasko. Marami po tayong supply, wala pong problema,” DTI USec. Ruth Castelo said in an interview.
“From 184, we have 94 na hindi magtataas ng presyo, and we have 21 na magbaba ng presyo. Ito lang ang iki-keep natin sa bulletin natin for this year para ito ang bilhin ng consumers natin,” she added.
Meanwhile, the DTI urged consumers to look for Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) markings issued by the department when buying for Christmas light decorations.
Castelo said there is no local manufacturer yet for Christmas light products, and that they will go after products sold online without stickers.
“’Yung online, we have communicated with the platform owners. Nasabi natin na kailangan lahat ng ititinda nila under mandatory product list ng DTI ay may sticker,” she said.
The DTI’s list of importers and brands may be viewed at http://www.bps.dti.gov.ph/index.php/product-certification/approved-christmas-lights.
Watch the full interview here:
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