The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured consumers that there is enough supply of food and basic commodities even during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that will be imposed in Metro Manila starting August 6.
Trade Sec. Ramon Lopez told PTV on Sunday (August 1) that there would be no changes in the suggested retail price of goods (SRP), especially during the ECQ.
“No new suggested retail price, especially during enhanced community quarantine. Review is not yet finished,” Lopez confirmed.
In these days leading to the ECQ, consumers are flocking to the supermarkets to buy noodles, canned goods, biscuits, disinfectants, and liquor.
According to Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association President Steven Cua, the consumer behavior cannot be considered panic buying.
“I call it ‘enhanced community buying.’ Nadagdagan ang pagbili, pero hindi naman panic mode,” Cua said.
“Now that we have been through this one-and-a-half year pandemic situation, medyo alam na ng tao, what are the mistakes, in a sense na they lost, wala na silang income, naubos,” he added.
The National Capital Region will return to lockdown from August 6 to 20, as announced by the Palace on July 30.
Under ECQ, only essential establishments and industries are allowed to operate. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla / CF – jlo
Watch the report here:
