By Brian Campued
Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a “State of National Calamity” due to the impact of Typhoon Tino and in anticipation of a potential super typhoon, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced the implementation of a two-month price freeze nationwide.
In a statement Friday, the DTI noted that under a state of calamity, the price freeze would automatically be imposed on all basic goods for 60 days or until lifted by the President.
The agency added that it has also coordinated with all key implementing agencies under the National Price Coordinating Council to “protect consumers during this critical period.”
“The DTI is working round-the-clock with manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to ensure sufficient and steady stock of basic necessities and prime commodities,” it stated.
“All DTI Regional and Provincial Offices are on heightened alert and mobilized to enforce compliance with the price freeze and maintain adequate supply nationwide.”
The Department of Health (DOH) likewise reiterated that around 146 medicines are under the price freeze, including analgesics, antiasthmatics, antihistamines, and antimicrobials, as well as vitamins and minerals.
“Mariing pinapaalala ng Department of Health ang implementasyon ng price freeze sa 146 na gamot sa buong bansa. Ito ay para masiguro ang pananatili sa makatuwirang presyo ng mga bilihing gamot lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad,” the DOH said in a Facebook post.
Nationwide emergency loan
Meanwhile, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has also opened its nationwide emergency loan program for active members and pensioners amid the state of national calamity declaration.
GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said that the initiative supports fast recovery and rebuilding, especially in areas most affected by calamities.
“As our kababayans reel from the wide devastation of Typhoon Tino and as we brace for more calamities due to La Niña, the rapid financial relief for our public sector workers and retirees becomes more critical,” Veloso said in a news release.
Those who want to avail of the emergency loan must be in active service, not on unpaid leave, have paid at least three monthly premiums within the last six months, have no pending administrative or criminal case, have no unpaid loans for over six months, and maintain a minimum take-home pay of P5,000 after deductions.
Under the program, qualified active members may borrow up to P20,000, while those with existing emergency loans may borrow up to P40,000—from which their balance will be deducted to get a maximum net amount of P20,000.
Old-age and disability pensioners may also apply if at least 25% of their basic monthly pension remains after loan deduction.
Members and pensioners may apply for the emergency loan from Nov. 7, 2025 to Feb. 7, 2026, through the GSIS Touch mobile application for faster processing.
The loan is payable in 36 equal monthly installments at 6% interest per annum through salary or pension deductions.
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