The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA reported on December 27, that around 50% of the 400 rapidly assessed micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province of Palawan were either severely or partially damaged since Typhoon Odette hit the country.

The approximate cost of structural damage amounted to over P25 million, while the estimated amount of losses in inventory products cost over P5 million. In the aftermath, the estimated amount needed for the recovery of the MSMEs is valued at around P31

million.

According to DTI Mimaropa Regional Director Joel B. Valera, the agency will conduct a series of Diskwento Caravan to ensure the supply of basic necessities priced following or lower than the suggested retail prices. Likewise, DTI is also planning to distribute livelihood kits to the affected MSMEs through its Livelihood Seeding Program Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay Program.

In a statement, RD Valera also said, “We will be at the forefront of MSME recovery in the province. Moreover, I encourage everyone to extend assistance of any kind to the affected communities.”

Monitoring efforts are continuously conducted by the DTI Palawan Provincial Office and Negosyo Centers to aid the victims of the typhoon, according to DTI Palawan Provincial Director Hazel DP. Salvador.

In view of Presidential Proclamation No. 1267 dated December 21, 2021, declaring a State of Calamity (SOC) in Mimaropa due to widespread devastation and damage by Typhoon Odette, the prices of basic necessities in the whole region are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices effective for the duration of the condition that brought about it, but not more than 60 days. This is also in accordance with Section 6 of RA 7581 or the Price Act.

DTI warns the public that violators shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for a period of 1 year to 10 years, or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1,000,000 or both, at the discretion of the court aside from the applicable administrative penalties.