The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on essential commodities in General Santos City after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck offshore southern Mindanao, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque announced Tuesday, as reported by BusinessWorld.
Roque said the DTI is coordinating with its regional office to ensure stable prices and sufficient supply of basic goods. The price freeze covers necessities such as food, water, and medicine, aiming to protect consumers from sudden price spikes following the disaster.
The earthquake, which struck on Saturday, caused damage to infrastructure and disrupted local economies. DTI’s move is part of standard disaster response protocols to maintain affordability and availability of essential items during the recovery period.