NO PRICE INCREASES ON BASIC GOODS UNTIL APRIL 16  — DTI

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured that prices of basic goods will remain unchanged until April 16, following an agreement with manufacturers under the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DTI had earlier met with major manufacturers who committed to keep prices stable.

A list of products covered by the agreement will be released by UPLIFT for public information.

“Nakausap po natin kahapon si Secretary Cris Roque, at nag-report po siya sa Pangulo sa UPLIFT,” Castro said.

“Nangako po ang mga manufacturer na hindi nga po magkakaroon ng price increase hanggang April 16, 2026,” she added.

Castro said the DTI also vowed to conduct weekly monitoring of basic commodity prices, noting that DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque is set to meet again with manufacturers to ensure price stability, particularly amid rising oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

“Nangako rin po si Secretary Cris Roque na weekly ay magmo-monitor po sila. At sa aking pagkakaalam, balak po niyang makipag-meeting muli ngayon sa mga manufacturers para po hindi tumaas ang presyo,” Castro said.

While global oil price hikes may be unavoidable, Castro assured that the government is committed to taking every necessary step to cushion the impact on consumers.

“May mga pagkakataon po talaga na hindi natin kakayaning pigilan dahil sa nangyayaring sigalot sa Middle East. Pero lahat po ng puwedeng gawin ng ahensiya ng gobyerno ay gagawin po para po hindi maging mahirap na pasanin ito sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro emphasized.