The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the latest suggested retail prices (SRPs) for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) effective January 27, 2022. 

According to the Consumer Protection Group of DTI, the changes are a result of the increasing prices of raw and packaging materials, production and other logistical costs. From this, 73 Shelf Keeping Units (SKUs) (40 for food and 33 for non-food) out of the 216 SKUs in the SRP list have price adjustments.  

DTI MIMAROPA reminds the public that with the ongoing Price Freeze (PF) in the region as stated in Presidential Proclamation No. 1267 dated December 21, 2021 declaring a State of Calamity (SOC) in MIMAROPA due to the widespread devastation and damage by Typhoon Odette, the prices of basic necessities remain under PF. Prices of basic necessities will only follow the latest SRP after February 19, or unless sooner lifted by the President. 

Products under basic necessities include canned fish, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, bread, salt. etc. Among the products under prime commodities are flour, processed and canned pork, beef, and poultry meat, vinegar, soy sauce, school supplies. The full list may be accessed through: https://www.dti.gov.ph/ konsyumer/e-presyo/.  

The full list of SRP can be viewed online, via: https://www.dti.gov.ph/ konsyumer/latest-srps-basic- necessities-prime-commodities/  

DTI MIMAROPA conducts intensified price and supply monitoring of BNPC under the department's jurisdiction to ensure establishments comply with the said SRPs and price freeze. Moreover, individuals are encouraged to go to the nearest DTI Office or Negosyo Center for any consumer-related complaints. (DTI)