THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has set suggested retail prices (SRP) for major agricultural commodities in a bid to protect consumers against price irregularities.
“Under the Price Act, the DA is directed, whenever necessary, to issue a Suggested Retail Price or SRP for any or all basic necessities and prime commodities under its jurisdiction for the information and guidance of producers, retailers, and consumers,” DA secretary William Dar said in Friday.
Dar signed DA Administrative Circular No. 01 on Feb. 20.
“The circular covers Metro Manila markets only. The implementing rules and regulations also direct the DA to determine, recommend, and enforce price ceilings when necessary,” the Agriculture chief said.
Covered in the circular are the following food items, with their respective SRP per kilogram:
* Pork (pigue/kasim) – P190
* Chicken (whole, dressed) – P130
* Sugar (raw, brown) – P45
* Sugar (refined) – P50
* Bangus (cage-cultured) – P162
* Tilapia (pond-cultured) – P120
* Galunggong (imported) – P130
* Garlic (imported) – P70
* Garlic (local) – P120
* Red onion (imported) – P95
“We will conduct regular monitoring of these agri-fishery commodities to protect consumers against hoarding and profiteering of unscrupulous traders and cartels, who manipulate for their advantage the supply, distribution, marketing and prices of basic agri-fishery goods,” Dar said.
The Cabinet official said the DA, in setting up the SRP for selected food items, has ensured the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices at all times, “without denying legitimate businesses a fair return on their investments.”
The SRP circular takes effect on Monday, Feb. 24. (GMA News)
