MANILA — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Saturday that the agency has set up a command center that will ensure the continuous flow of basic necessities and prime commodities, particularly in areas hit by Typhoon “Ompong.”
“Command center is linked with regional directors and with local distributors, and stocks [are] ready from Manila and possible transfers from other distributors in nearby regions of Regions 3 and 4 to support Regions 1 and 2,” Lopez said.
He mentioned that food manufacturers assured to DTI that supplies in the market are good for at least two weeks up to two months.
According to Century Pacific Food, Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Banzon, inventories in areas being affected by the typhoon are good for two months, while Nestle Philippines Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Affairs Ernesto Mascenon assured that there are two to four weeks of inventories in the said areas, Lopez said.
“Regional and provincial directors and staff gave reports of ample supply, and prices [are] within SRPs (suggested retail prices) yesterday,” the DTI chief added.
Based on the reports from DTI regional and provincial offices, prices of NFA rice range from PHP72 to PHP32 per kilogram, regular milled rice at PHP40 per kilo, and well-milled rice from PHP42 to PHP43 per kilo.
The average price of chicken is at PHP130 per kilo while prices of pork range between PHP200 to PHP220 per kilo, Lopez said.
He added that DTI’s consumer hotline 1-DTI or 1-384 is up 24 hours a day to receive complaints and concerns on supply and prices of goods. (Kris Crismundo/PNA)