ILIGAN CITY (PIA)-- The Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) here held a forum aimed at addressing the proper implementation of Executive Order (EO) 39 in response to the soaring rice prices.

The forum engaged micro- and small-scale rice retailers to ensure a fair and stable rice supply in the city and prevent any violations by retailers. Participants gained valuable insights into the implementation of the executive order, its associated regulations, and the corresponding sanctions for non-compliance.

Esterlita Oyangorin, a rice retailer from the Pala-O market, expressed her delight with the forum, as it provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of EO 39.

Meanwhile, Jane Marie Tabucan, the Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Lanao del Norte, shared monitoring updates they conducted from September 5-8, wherein out of the 26 stores that were monitored, only 7 were compliant with EO 39.

These seven compliant rice retailers received assistance through the Sustainable Livelihood Program-Economic Relief Subsidy from the Department of Social Welfare and Development on September 14 at the City Public Plaza. On the same day, the LPCC also conducted a Diskwento Caravan on Rice, providing consumers with more affordable rice options.

Meanwhile, Hillet B. Diaz, the National Food Authority (NFA) Lanao del Norte Branch Manager, highlighted the NFA's role in providing technical assistance, particularly in the accurate classification of regular milled rice and well-milled rice, ensuring consistent categorization of rice products.

To further ensure transparency and fair pricing, the DTI, City Agriculture Office, and NFA conduct daily monitoring of rice prices in the city.

Executive Order No. 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 31, imposes a price ceiling on rice, with regular-milled rice capped at P41 per kilo and well-milled rice limited to P45 per kilo. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)