CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- A state of calamity has been declared in the municipality of Bulalacao due to the severe and prolonged drought per Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 24-02-053 dated February 26, 2024.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Arnel E. Hutalla said, “Under Section 6 of RA 7581 or the Price Act, prices of all basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for a period of 60 days beginning the declaration of the state of calamity unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”

Hutalla added that, basic necessities under DTI's jurisdiction include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, and locally manufactured instant noodles.

DTI also advises that basic necessities like rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried, and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fresh fruits are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture while firewood and charcoal are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene are under the jurisdiction of Department of Energy, and drugs classified as essentials are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health.

Meanwhile, DTI urges consumers to report those retailers that sell basic necessities more than the specified prices or selling more than the specified prevailing prices shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1,000,000 and/or a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. (DN/PIA Mimaropa - Oriental Mindoro)

Below is the price list of basic necessities: