ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI conducted a synchronized price monitoring operation covering all six provinces in Western Visayas on October 26.

DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual led the synchronized DTI nationwide “Undas Bantay Presyo” together with the DTI regional offices and in partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and local government units.

During the monitoring, DTI-Guimaras OIC provincial director Romel Amihan noted that the majority of the retailers complied with the suggested retail prices (SRP) and there is also a sufficient supply of bottled water and candles.

The Oplan Bantay Presyo: Undas 2023 initiative particularly aims to closely monitor and ensure fair prices of essential goods such as candles and bottled water, with special attention given to monitoring flower prices as the nation prepares to commemorate All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1-2 this year.

Based on the latest SRP bulletin, the price of bottled mineralized water ranges from P7.15 to P75 for 330 ml to six liters.

Candles, on the other hand, have SRPs ranging from P33.42 to P177.71, depending on the number of candles per pack.

The Department is enjoining the public to report to their nearest DTI offices or through the DTI hotline (DTI-1384) should there be practices observed that violate consumer welfare. (AGP/ED/PIA 6)