TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry in Eastern Visayas (DTI-8) has assured the public that they are regularly monitoring prices of commodities amid Suggested Retail Prices Bulletin’s release among key establishments all over the region through DTI’s provincial offices.

According to DTI-8 Regional Director Celerina Bato, this 2025, a total of 157 out of 217 Stock Keeping Units retained their prices.

These include selected brands of canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, instant noodles, salt, laundry soap, bottled water, candles, canned meat, condiments and batteries.
Additionally, prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) remained stable throughout 2024 despite rising production costs.

Michael Nuñez, who works as a caretaker of a commercial establishment said though he is feeling the effect of rising prices, he said the increase is still “tolerable” understanding the prices of raw materials have also increased.

Nuñez added he just have to be wise in choosing the most affordable among the basic commodities and prioritize items to be bought.

Another grocery-goer, Felicisima Perante, said she would have to adhere to the new prices as these are basic goods that her family needs.

Meanwhile, 60 or 28 percent of BNPC saw price increases, primarily due to rising cost of raw materials, packaging materials, and logistics.

Among these, 72 percent increased by less than P2, with no adjustment exceeding 10 percent of the previous price.

The DTI assures the public that price adjustments were carefully studied and kept to a minimum while ensuring availability of affordable goods in the market.

Further, the DTI remains committed to continuously monitor prices in the market to promote fair and reasonable prices of basic goods and prime commodities.

The Department encourages consumers to exercise their right to choose and seek quality and budget-friendly products.

(AHLETTE C.REYES/PR)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First DEO recently completed another Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Brgy. E. Duran, Bobon Northern Samar.

The P4.96 million project involves the construction of Road with total length of 155.00 meters which includes embankment from roadway excavation and slope protection structures on stone masonry of 5 meters on left side and 40 meters on right side.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said the newly completed road project will greatly benefit local farmers in the area. The transportation of agricultural products from farms to the market will now be more efficient and convenient.

“Local farmers will no longer traverse through unpaved roads that pose risks, especially during rainy season. With the completion of said project, transportation of farm produce will be more convenient.”

Funded under the convergence program of the Department of Agriculture and DPWH, farm-to-market roads are vital infrastructure projects aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rural development.

In the long run, the completion of this road will contribute to increased connectivity, eventually linking Western Samar and further expanding economic opportunities in the area.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s move to block an impeachment trial, calling it a disturbing attempt to evade accountability.

“Transparency is fundamental in any democracy. If Vice President Duterte has done nothing wrong, why is she afraid of the truth?” Acidre said on February 21, questioning her legal challenge before the Supreme Court.

He pointed out that this was not the first time Duterte attempted to prevent scrutiny, citing her earlier efforts to stop the Commission on Audit (COA) from releasing findings on her P125-million confidential fund.

“First, she blocked COA’s report. Now, she wants to stop Congress from doing its job. What is she trying to hide?” Acidre asked.

Emphasizing that impeachment is a constitutional process, he warned that Duterte’s actions erode public trust.

“Leaders must face accountability, not run from it. The Filipino people deserve transparency, not secrecy,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)