Some retailers selling price at ₱66 per killo: Monitor prices—Capitol to LGUs

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Rice prices in parts of northern Cebu have surged to as high as P66 per kilo following recent inspections conducted by provincial authorities, according to Assistant Provincial Administrator AldwinEmpaces.

Empaces revealed that the spike was discovered during random price monitoring carried out last week in several northern Cebu towns.

Among the areas where higher rice prices were noted include Catmon and Borbon towns, where some retailers were found selling the staple at P66 per kilo.

The price was significantly higher than the prevailing rates earlier identified in other areas, including Mandaue City and nearby localities.

“Sa CatmonugBorbon, or in that area, kay maona’ymura’gdaghanniabotgyudog P66 ang kilo sabugas, which is dilinamaoangna-identify na price saMandaue,” said Empaces.

Empaces said the findings prompted the provincial government to call on local government units (LGUs) to organize their own price monitoring committees to closely track the cost of essential agricultural commodities.

These committees will work alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other members of the provincial price monitoring team.

According to Empaces, LGUs are being encouraged to conduct regular monitoring, particularly on agricultural goods, following the initial results of the inspections.

The provincial government is set to submit an initial report on the findings to concerned agencies. The issue of rising rice prices will also be discussed alongside other economic concerns, including the anticipated increase in fuel prices, said Empaces.

Based on the latest information received by the province, oil prices may increase by around ₱10 to ₱12 per liter.

He said the Capitol has also received a report from the national office regarding possible contingency measures that could be implemented to cushion the impact of rising prices.

These measures will be validated and discussed further during the meeting of the province’s price monitoring and economic teams.

Empaces said Governor Pamela Baricuatro directed concerned offices to prioritize contingency and crisis management solutions in response to possible economic pressures. “But another directive gudniya (Baricuatro) is to prioritize anggitawagnatonamga contingency or crisis management solution program,” he said.

Part of the province’s initial response includes fast-tracking the distribution of rice under existing government programs, particularly for sectors that may be heavily affected by rising costs.

Among those identified are transport workers who rely on daily income, including habal-habal and pedicab drivers, who may experience reduced earnings due to fewer trips and higher travel costs.

Empaces said the provincial government is also planning to hold consultations with the private sector to assess the broader economic impact and identify possible interventions in the coming months.

Markets, DTI-7: no rise in basic goods prices

The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) assured the public that supermarkets have not yet experienced any increase in the prices of basic goods, amid concerns over rising fuel costs.

In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, PAGASA President Stephen Cua said the supply of essential commodities remains stable, and supermarkets have not received any notice from suppliers or manufacturers about possible price hikes.

“Nothing as alarming as it sounds. After all, wala pa namang ganong nangyayari so far. Wala pa pong nag-report sa akin na medyo kinukulang na ng goods, nagtaas na, o nag-abiso na ng pagtaas ng presyo ang manufacturers. So far, wala pa naman,” Cua said.

Cua also reminded the public to practice responsible buying and avoid panic buying, which could create supply shortages and potentially drive up the prices of goods.

According to him, consumers should plan their purchases carefully, buy only what they need, and follow proper buying schedules to prevent market congestion and help maintain a stable supply flow.

“It’s a logical expectation na mangyayari ’yan dahil nowhere else to go except for cost rise. Pero kung ang mga tao ay a-acting in fear na baka mauubos na ang produkto, it’s very materialistic and self-centered ng konti ang attitude, ang mindset. Hindi makakatulong ’yan,” he added.

Despite the concerns, Cua assured the public that supermarkets and government agencies continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the supply of goods remains sufficient.

Fears of possible price increases surfaced following ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have also caused spikes in petroleum product prices in the country.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7 Central Visayas on the other hand, through its Consumer Protection Division (CPD), continues to monitor the prices and supply of necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) such as canned fish, processed milk, coffee, bread, laundry soap and detergent, candles, bottled water, and other essential household items covered by the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin.

This follows DTI 7’s assurance that prices of necessities and prime commodities under its jurisdiction remain stable, based on regular price monitoring conducted in Cebu and Bohol.

Consumers are reminded that not all products in the market are covered under DTI’s jurisdiction, as items like rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and fuel are regulated by other government agencies.

DTI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair and responsible pricing in the market.

Alcover to Archival: Activate LPCC

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has failed to issue an executive order to reactivate the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC).

Consequently, the City Council is urging the mayor for immediate action as prices of rice and other basic commodities continue to reach historic highs.

Councilors stressed that proper monitoring and safeguarding measures are urgently needed to protect consumers, particularly minimum wage earners and daily laborers.

During a press conference at City Hall last Monday, Archival was asked when he would issue the executive order. He replied: “Karong hapon… Nagpahimo nako karon…Ako na’ng ipahatag karong adlawa and hopefully maabot nana sa mga institution, ma circulate na ‘na nato.”

He explained that he intended to revive the LPCC in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), noting its role in monitoring prices and preventing abuse.

Yet, as of presstime yesterday, no executive order had been issued, leaving the body inactive despite mounting public concern.

Rice prices in Cebu had already been rising even before the recent Middle East tensions, with premium varieties like Ganador reaching ₱70–₱72 per kilo. The increase has been noted to have kicked in as early as August 2025 and peaked in the last three months. The geopolitical conflict has only added pressure to an already unstable market.

This prompted Councilor Pastor M. Alcover Jr. to deliver a privilege speech yesterday, warning that “rice is life” for every Filipino family and that the sudden ₱10-per-kilo increase is a heavy burden for ordinary households.

Alcover urged the mayor to activate the LPCC as rice prices continue to rise in the local markets, saying it already reached around ₱60 to ₱70 per kilo, depending on the variety. He said the rising rice price is affecting many consumers, especially wage earners.

“Rice is the most basic food on the table of every Filipino family. When the price increased, it affects the daily lives of our people,” he said.

He reminded colleagues that he had been pushing for activation of LPCC, a body composed of representatives from agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and market administrators tasked to monitor the prices of basic goods.  

Last year, when he sponsored a resolution and even an executive session to address similar spikes. requesting the activation of the LPCC, but was not implemented. Activating the LPCC would help determine if the increase in rice prices is justified or caused by speculation or hoarding, he said. “Our people expect us not only to observe but to act and protect them.”

Alcover emphasized that, while LPCC cannot control global prices, it can monitor local markets, prevent hoarding, and provide transparency to consumers.

Alcover’s motion to request the mayor’s immediate convening of the LPCC was approved, but not without debate.

Councilor SisinioAndales questioned the usefulness of the LPCC, recalling that, during Typhoon Odette, “it did not solve any problem.” However, contrary to Andales’ observation, it was noted that it did help control local businesses from taking advantage of the situation at that time.

Councilor Joel Garganera stressed that monitoring is essential to prevent unscrupulous abuse by businessmen, giving the government a legal basis for enforcement.

Councilor Harold Go underscored that the DTI itself requested activation of the LPCC, citing its four functions: monitoring and enforcement, emergency response including price freezes, coordination with the national council, and anti-hoarding actions.

Go added that Mandaue City already has its LPCC in place, underscoring Cebu City’s need to catch up as Councilor Winston Pepito added that doing nothing for its reactivation would be irresponsible.

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña suggested that the city government should also provide measures beyond monitoring, such as cooperatives, market interventions, and transport or irrigation assistance.

Councilor Alvin Arcilla proposed holding an executive session to clarify pricing formulas and supply chain issues, but the suggestion was not carried. The City Council instead focused on pressing Mayor Archival to convene the LPCC without delay.

With rice prices continuing to climb and fuel costs driving up distribution expenses, the City Council’s majority agreed that local vigilance, transparency, and enforcement are vital safeguards against hoarding and profiteering.