DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is urging vendors of flowers, candles, and bottled water to refrain from raising their prices in light of the upcoming observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Nimfa Virtucio, the provincial director of DTI-Negros Oriental, disclosed that her team, in line with the nationwide Oplan Bantay Presyo Undas 2023, recently inspected various businesses in Dumaguete City. These inspections covered establishments selling bottled water, candles, and flower shops within the city’s public market. Passenger terminals were also included in the checks in anticipation of the forthcoming long weekend.
“Our objective is to ensure that candles and bottled water remain available at their suggested retail prices (SRPs),” stated Virtucio. Although no violations have been detected thus far, she anticipates a potential slight price increase in the days leading up to November 1 and 2, when individuals traditionally visit cemeteries to pay their respects to departed loved ones.
Regarding flowers, Virtucio clarified that there is no legal mandate establishing an SRP for these floral arrangements. In this case, DTI can only appeal to vendors to offer their products at reasonable prices. The flower vendors explained to the DTI official that their pricing is contingent on the rates set by suppliers, and a substantial portion of the flowers are procured from sources outside Negros Oriental.
Virtucio emphasized that price monitoring will persist in the coming days. She also encouraged the public to report any instances of unjustified price hikes.
The DTI’s initiative seeks to ensure that essential items during this observance remain accessible and affordable for the public.
