The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol on Thursday said there will be no price increase of Christmas products during the holidays next month even amid the health crisis that has crippled the nation’s economy and various industries.

According to Miguel Abuyabor of DTI Bohol’s consumer protection group, prices of Christmas products in the forthcoming holidays will be the same as those of the previous year.  

“Ang maayong balita ani, our manufacturers ingon sila na wa g’yuy pagsaka tungod sa atong pandemya karon,” said Abuyabor.

Abyabor reminded retailers not to take advantage of consumers saying that the DTI will immediately take action against those selling products beyond the set standard retail price (SRP).

The DTI official assured that they will be conducting tighter monitoring of prices as the Christmas season draws near.

Operations will cover not only Tagbilaran City, but also the province’s municipalities that are dotted with convenience and variety stores.

Over 200 items are projected to maintain their prices including ham, fruit cocktail, sandwich spread, queso de bola, pasta, tomato sauce and cream, among other products.

The DTI has posted in its website these products and their SRPs.

“Tan-awa lang sa website aron ma guided mo sa SRPs sa atoang mga Noche Buena products,” he said.

Meanwhile, other basic commodities including health products are also being monitored amid the pandemic.

Abuyabor said that measures are already in place to keep prices stable even amid travel restrictions across the archipelago.

“The government is doing its best na walay problema sa supply and demand kay kita tanan g’yud apektado sa pandemya,” he said. (A. Doydora)