ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--Members of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) convened to strategize and plan for the upcoming months, focusing on action plans and activities.

The LPCC also takes proactive steps to ensure the smooth regulation of businesses, particularly during the forthcoming Diyandi Festival celebration next month.

"This is very important, especially right now, niabot na ang atong fiesta. We should be vigilant about regulating establishments. Crucial kayo ang role sa council in this matter, in safeguarding the buying community," said Armien Alorro, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, representing Mayor Frederick Siao during the meeting.

The LPCC aims to prevent hoarding and potential price fluctuations that often occur during such festivities.

The council is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, the City Agriculture Office, the Department of Health, the Department of Energy, and the Philippine National Police, among others.

Moreover, the LPCC also outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at enhancing its action plan from August to December 2023.

The LPCC's action plan includes a range of activities aimed at enhancing consumer protection and promoting fair business practices. Among the activities are regular price monitoring, market matching for agricultural products, quiz bowls for consumers and vendors, and various awareness campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities.

Moreover, Consumer Protection Division Chief Maria Lourdes Tiongco of DTI-Lanao del Norte shared that their agency conducted consumer advocacy initiatives with the Department of Education-Division of Iligan City and issued 45 letters of inquiry for firms selling basic necessities and prime commodities above suggested retail prices from June to August 2023. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)