DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – At least 80 percent of rice retailers in the province of Pangasinan are now complying with Executive Order (EO) No. 39 or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last week.
 
This is according to the latest inspection and price monitoring operation conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for rice retailers in Pangasinan.
 
Guillermo Avelino, Jr., senior trade and industry development specialist and in charge of the Consumer Protection Division of DTI-Pangasinan, said despite the capital loss of P6 to P 9 per kilo, the rice retailers in the province have supported and abided by the mandated price ceilings for regular-milled and well-milled rice.
 
“On the first day of the implementation, a 38 percent compliance rate was recorded and was followed by 42 percent. Now at least 80 percent of rice retailers in the province have already complied with the mandated price ceiling,” he said in an interview on Thursday.
 
As of September 6, 2023, DTI-Pangasinan has listed a total of 101 rice retailers in the province who have incurred business losses with the imposition of a price ceiling on regular-milled and well-milled rice.
 
Avelino added that the compliance rate of rice sellers in the province is expected to be 100% in the following week with the continuous inspection and monitoring being conducted by the department, together with its partner agencies and local government units, to enforce EO 39.
 
“We are very thankful sa mga rice retailers natin dahil kahit medyo masakit sa kanilang part andoon pa rin ‘yong compliance nila [We are very thankful to our rice sellers for their compliance even though we know this is difficult for them],” said Avelino, hoping that the supply of well-milled and regular-milled rice will remain adequate so that the compliance of retailers will remain high.
 
Likewise, Avelino reminded the retailers not to do any act of price manipulation on the Filipino staple food as it is prohibited by the law and any actions of violation will be dealt with accordingly.
 
“Reminder po sa mga rice retailers natin na huwag nilang gagawin na palitan ang classification ng well-milled at gawing special or premium rice at ibenta sa mas mataas na halaga kasi panloloko po ‘yon sa mga consumer at paglabag naman sa Consumer Act [A reminder to our rice retailers not to change the classification of well-milled rice to special or premium rice and sell it at a higher price, as this is deceptive to consumers and a violation of the Consumer Act],” he said.
 
“Nakikiusap din po tayo sa ating mga mamimili na kung meron po kayong napansin na kakaiba ang presyo o hindi sumusunod sa EO 39, atin pong ipagbigay alam agad sa pinakamalapit na Negosyo Center sa inyong lugar o sa DTI, sa tanggapan ng city o municipal agriculture office sa local government units sa inyong bayan, gayundin sa mga law enforcers natin [We also appeal to our consumers to report any unusual pricing or non-compliance with EO 39 to the nearest Negosyo Center in your area or to the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry). You can also inform the city or municipal agriculture office in your local government unit, as well as our law enforcement agencies]” he added.
 
To report erring rice retailers and sellers who will not follow the mandated rice price cap, consumers may visit the DTI-Provincial Office located on the 2nd floor of Star Building in Arellano St. Dagupan City or call at telephone number (075) 636-3975 or send an email at R01pangasinan@dti.gov.ph.