DAVAO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region is continuously monitoring rice retailers to ensure compliance with Executive Order No. 39 of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

As of September 14, the records of DTI XI showed that a comprehensive monitoring effort has been carried out, covering a total of 1,624 rice retailers across the region. The primary objective of this monitoring is to ensure compliance with EO 39, specifically in the adherence to imposed price ceilings on rice. Davao City had the highest number of rice retailers monitored, totaling 470, with Davao Oriental closely following with 385 retailers monitored.

In Davao Occidental, there were 349 rice retailers monitored, while there were 172 in Davao de Oro, 165 in Davao del Norte, and 83 in Davao del Sur.

A total of P2,730,000 cash subsidy has so far been released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to 182 qualified rice micro-retailers, each beneficiary receiving P15,000.00 during the initial payouts on September 13 and 14.

The first batch of beneficiaries were from Davao City; Island Garden City of Samal, Panabo City and Kapalong in Davao del Norte; Mati City, and in Nabunturan, Manay, Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental.

DTI-Davao Occidental Program Manager Art Hermoso also affirmed that they are still going around the province for validation of their beneficiaries.

On the new schedule of the cash assistance payout, she said, “Maybe in the first to second week of October.”

Pursuant to EO 39, the Regional Inter-Agency Price Monitoring Task Force led by the Department of Agriculture (DA-XI) has started monitoring three rice warehouses in Davao City on September 5.

Under Executive Order 39 series of 2023, which imposes a mandated price ceiling on rice, the PCC, in coordination with DTI and Department of Agriculture, is tasked with taking measures against cartels or those abusing dominant position in the market to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

Aguinaldo said the PCC, together with the DTI and DA, are working on the full implementation of the directive of President Marcos Jr., which includes keeping a close watch and taking measures against it.

Meanwhile, authorities remind the public that should there be violations of EO 39, consumers can report to DTI XI through Tel. No. 2240511 or email at r11@dti.gov.ph and the nearest DTI provincial offices. Likewise, the public may report to Department of Agriculture XI through telephone No. 2263625 local 3005 or email at darfoxi.ored@gmail.com. (CLC/JBG/PIA-Davao)