TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry in Eastern Visayas (DTI-8) conducted its first Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) Summit on Thursday, bringing together key stakeholders from private and public sector and local government units (LGUs) to enhance price monitoring and consumer protection efforts across the region.
The event aimed to strengthen the role of LPCCs in ensuring stable prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, especially in the face of volatile inflation and supply disruptions.
In her message, DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina T. Bato emphasized the importance of a coordinated response among national and local agencies to prevent price manipulation and ensure fair market practices.
The trade and industry department also recognizes the crucial role the local chief executives play in protecting consumers and promoting fair pricing practices as the summit serves as a venue for discussion of key strategies to enhance monitoring, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and empower consumer protection.
“Our consumers deserve fair prices and reliable access to essential goods. Through this summit, we aim to empower local governments to be more proactive, data driven and grounded with collaboration in addressing price-related concerns in their areas,” Bato said.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, also known as the Price Act of 1992, provides for the creation of a Local Price Coordinating Council to protect consumers from excessive price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities.
The LPCCs serve as the frontline mechanism for ensuring price stability and protecting the consumers from unfair trade practices, especially during crises such as typhoons, pandemics or supply disruption.
“We want to ensure that LPCCs are functional, active, and well-equipped to monitor prices and protect consumers, especially in times of crisis,” Bato added.
In Eastern Visayas, out of 149 LGUs, a total of 4 provinces and 127 cities and municipalities have established Local Price Coordinating Councils, 117 of these are active according to DTI-8’s monitoring.
(ACR/PIA Leyte)
