DTI implements price freeze in Eastern Visayas after state of calamity declared

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is implementing a prize freeze in Eastern Visayas after a state of calamity was declared in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of calamity in the area for a year to hasten the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, and to mitigate the effect of the bridge's closure on the local economy.

"We are acting without delay—to keep prices stable, protect consumers from abuse, and ensure no one is left behind during this difficult time,” the trade chief added," said DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.

The 2.16-kilometer San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte and a key component of the Pan-Philippine Highway which connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A bsuiness group has said that some local business recorded losses as high as 30 percent a week into the bridge's closure to heavy vehicles.

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The DTI said it is now monitoring the supply and prices of basic necessities in the region daily. Prices are stable and stocks are sufficient for now despite the delays in replenishing stocks, the agency said.

The DTI also said it will host a tripartite supply chain and logistics dialogue so stakeholders in the supply chain can discuss how to address issues affecting the region due to the bridge’s load restriction.

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