THE PHILIPPINE Amalgamated Supermarkets Association agreed to impose a price freeze until April 16, based on its agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry.
Member-supermarkets will hold current prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) “to ensure fair pricing and steady supply for Filipino families.”
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and association president Steven T. Cua signed the agreement, which covers BNPCs such as canned sardines, canned meat, coffee, processed milk, instant noodles, condiments, salt, bread, and bottled water, and household items such as laundry soap, toilet soap, candles, and batteries.
The complete list of BNPCs can be accessed through the official SRP bulletin on the DTI website.
The DTI said the list is also available in all supermarkets and grocery stores, and online on all DTI social media platforms. The agency is also eyeing discussions with other manufacturers to prevent price increases of basic consumer goods even after April 16.
To note, the agency secured commitment from a total of 21 manufacturers, including canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, coffee, canned meat, toilet soap, and candles, and has committed to holding the prices for the next 30 days.
The agency reported some manufacturers committed to doing so for up to 60 days, during a meeting with the Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on March 16.
Prices are expected to remain stable, with no increase anticipated for canned sardines such as Unipak, 555, Ligo, Lucky 7, Fresca, Morjon, Golden Town, and Mega; bread products such as Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal; bottled water such as Wilkins and Nature’s Spring; toilet and laundry soaps such as Safeguard Pure White, Tide Bar Original Scent, and Green Cross Pure White; condiments such as Datu Puti’s soy sauce and vinegar, and Lorins’ Patis: processed canned meat of CDO; and candles from Liwanag, within the next 30 days.
Meanwhile, the prices of brands such as Lucky Me, Ho-Mi, Argentina, Lucky 7, 555, Swift Premium, Wow!, and Shanghai will remain at their prices for 60 days, while manufacturers of brands such as Kopiko, Nescafé, San Mig coffee 3-in-1, and Export candle have pledged to maintain current prices with no price increase.
