The Department of Trade and Industry in Negros Oriental yesterday assured the public of ample supply of commodities throughout the Christmas season, despite the massive purchase of goods for relief distribution to victims of super-typhoon “Yolanda” in Leyte and other hard-hit areas.

Hermel Sun of the provincial DTI said his monitoring team is keeping a close watch on business establishments, particularly in Dumaguete City, to ensure that there is no shortage of basic necessities.

There are more than enough stocks for Christmas and New Year celebrations, he said. Business establishments had made sure they have supplies for consumers as early as November for the Halloween, until the city fiesta this week, he added.

Distributors and dealers of commodities have also assured the DTI of regular re-stocking of supplies on a weekly basis, except for bigger establishments that replenish their goods monthly, since their merchandises come from Manila, Sun said.

Last week, people were complaining of dwindling stocks of sardines and noodles, items usually purchased in bulk by those donating relief goods to typhoon-ravaged areas.

Sun, however, denied receiving such reports.

He added the DTI has also not received any reports of establishments violating the price control on basic necessities and urged the public to report to the DTI any establishment that has increased the prices of commodities like canned sardines, milk, detergent and coffee refill, among others that he covered by the freeze.

Under Section 6 of Republic Act 7581, of the Price Act of 1991 the prize freeze is in effect in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.*JFP

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