MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)–To stabilize market prices of basic needs and prime commodities (BNPCs), Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, chairperson of the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC), recently convened the Council members to discuss the roles of Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs).
Supported by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7581 (Price Act) and Memorandum Order No. 2005-130 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Price Act protects consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic needs and prime commodities, as well as prescribing safeguards against unjustified price increases in emergencies and similar circumstances.
Price stabilization is a usual government concern, as prices can be volatile due to various factors such as weather conditions, supply and demand, and market competition. The PPCC is a council composed of representatives from different government agencies and stakeholders tasked with coordinating and monitoring price movements and implementing interventions to stabilize prices, particularly in times of crisis.
Famelah Racquel Villanueva, DTI-Bukidnon provincial director, said one of the LPCC’s tasks is to monitor the supply and prices of staple food items, including the enforcement of suggested retail prices (SRP) and ‘price freeze’ policies.
“LPCCs can also send recommendations to the National Price Coordinating Council regarding price ceilings for certain commodities in their respective localities,” Villanueva said.
Meanwhile, Junar B. Merla, DTI-Bukidnon’s Consumer Protection division chief, presented the proposed 2023 PPCC Action Plan, which includes: 1) strengthening the PPCC through quarterly meetings; 2) creating the Provincial Price Monitoring Team to conduct monthly monitoring of the supply and prices of BNPCs and make recommendations to the implementing agencies as needed; 3) creating the PPCC Official Facebook Page for price monitoring updates and information dissemination;
4) Development of a price database via Google Drive for inputting monitored prices from all LPCCs in Bukidnon; 5) establishing links with other suppliers or distributors through the DTI’s Diskwento Caravan and the DA’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita programs; and 6) creation of an LPCC monitoring team to strengthen price and supply surveillance in towns and cities.
Provincial Administrator and PPCC Co-Chairperson Cherry Pepito presided over the 1st quarter meeting with LPCC representatives from all over the province. (DTI-Bukidnon/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
