SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Antique said there is sufficient supply of Noche Buena products in grocery stores in the province.
Glen Fernando of DTI-Antique said in an interview that they have been assured by the owners and managers of the stores that there is enough supply for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“There’s sufficient supply of Noche Buena products in the major stores, especially (those) that we monitor,” Fernando said.
He added that even manufacturers of products such as macaroni, cheese and other salad ingredients assured that there is sufficient supply nationwide.
Fernando reminded local establishments in the province to follow the suggested retail price (SRP) set by the DTI, adding that they will strictly monitor the prices of commodities.
“We have already learned of one store in the province to which we have sent a letter of inquiry because we found out that they have Noche Buena products sold beyond the SRP,” he said.
Fernando said a store – which he did not name – sold 450 grams of Fiesta spaghetti noodles for P37.95 when its SRP is only P35.
It also sold salad macaroni for P70.25 when its SRP was only be P69.
Fernando said DTI-Antique expects the owner to answer the letter of inquiry sent to the establishment last Friday.
“Failure to answer within five days would force the DTI to issue a Notice of Violation,” he added.
Meanwhile, there is only a “slight increase” in the prices of Noche Buena products from 2017 to 2018.
For example, a kilogram of CDO Holiday Whole Meat Ham was sold for P525 in 2017. It is now priced P530.
Another example is the Del Monte pasta (175 grams), which was sold for P20.60 in 2017. It now costs P20.85. (With a report from PNA/PN)
