The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) yesterday said it has policies and programs aimed at curbing inflation focusing on four key areas: consumer prices, logistics and supply chain management, investment promotion, and partnership with other government agencies.
A statement released by the agency yesterday enumerated the past and ongoing policies and programs but did not give specifics on the outcomes of each.
The statement went on to describe the work of consumer-related departments: The Consumer Protection Group which spearheads the management of consumer prices is in charge of law enforcement to protect consumers, consumer education, and the formation of consumer group. The Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau regularly monitor the implementation/enforcement of Automatic Price Control for basic necessities and prime commodities areas affected by calamities, disasters, or declared under state of emergency.
The DTI said it continues to capacitate Local Price Coordinating Councils to enforce monitoring, compliance, and accountability of all stakeholders at various supply chain stages, including market masters, administrators, retailers, and wholesalers. Its monitoring task force conducts regular price and supply monitoring of basic and prime commodities ensuring accessibility of affordable goods.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), DTI also launched the Ikot Palengke Program in November 2, which facilitated the monitoring of prices and supply of agricultural products in selected wet markets as well as manufactured products in supermarkets. “
Diskwento Caravans and rolling stores were also launched in partnership with DA, local government units and micro, small, and medium enterprises. The DTI also participated in Kadiwa ng Pasko Program during the last holiday season.
The Supply Chain and Logistics Management Division under DTI is working to lower logistics costs and simplify the transport of products from the point of origin to its destination. No details were provided except that the DTI cited its agreements with other agencies on convergence programs as well as harmonization of sea freight and air freight accreditation.
The DTI and other agencies are currently developing the three-year Food Logistics Plan, which aims to ensure the unhampered movement of goods, especially food items, and reduce transport and logistics costs of agri-commodities. No details were provided on the status of the plan.
The inclusion of food security as one of the priority sectors in attracting investments aims to spur the production of agriculture and other food-related products, as well as its support services such as cold chains and cold storage facilities, the DTI said.
The DTI also said it collaborates with other government agencies such as the Philippine Competition Commission to conduct inquiries, investigate, and hear and decide cases involving anti-competitive conduct.
