President Marcos Assures Nation of Stable Food Supply Amid Global Tensions
In a proactive move to address concerns over food security, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted an inspection of a leading canned food manufacturing facility in Calamba, Laguna on Friday, March 20, 2026. Accompanied by Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, the President emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring sufficient food supply nationwide and maintaining stable prices for essential goods.
Government and Private Sector Coordination
During the visit to Century Pacific Food Inc., President Marcos highlighted the critical role of collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners. "We are here to look into the food supply and food pricing," he stated, underscoring the administration's focus on monitoring both availability and affordability of basic necessities. "And of course, we are reaching out to our partner food suppliers for the daily needs of the people," he added, reinforcing the coordinated effort to meet public demand.
The inspection, which covered approximately 10 percent of the company's total stock, served as a platform for the President to welcome commitments from manufacturers to temporarily halt price increases. "Prices will not increase for as long as they can manage. So perhaps for about a month, and for others, maybe two months, prices will remain unchanged," Marcos assured, providing a clear timeline for price stability.
DTI's Monitoring and Assurance Efforts
Secretary Roque detailed the extensive monitoring activities being conducted by the DTI, including inspections at groceries and other manufacturing plants across the country. She confirmed that current food supplies are adequate to last for at least 30 days, with no reports of hoarding or profiteering received by the department. "What we are specifically checking are the basic necessities and prime commodities included in the DTI list," Roque explained, referring to goods under strict price surveillance.
Under the President's directive, the DTI maintains daily coordination with manufacturers and industries to ensure a steady flow of food products. Roque noted that producers of basic necessities have pledged to keep prices stable for a minimum of 30 days, with some items potentially extending this period to 60 days. The public is encouraged to report any concerns related to food supply or pricing through the DTI hotline 1-384 or via the "Report to Sec" feature on dti.gov.ph.
Industry Response and Public Reassurance
Century Pacific CEO Ted Po expressed confidence in the company's ability to meet nationwide demand despite global disruptions affecting commodities and logistics. "Our factories are running, our inventories are healthy and our distribution network continues to supply retailers nationwide," Po affirmed. He urged consumers to remain calm and avoid panic buying, emphasizing the company's collaboration with government and trade partners to keep food products affordable for Filipino families.
As a major producer of canned tuna, Century Pacific is actively working to mitigate the impact of global uncertainties on local markets. The visit underscored the government's strategic approach to strengthening partnerships with industry players and reassuring the public that food supply remains stable and accessible. This initiative reflects a broader effort to safeguard food security amid evolving global challenges, ensuring that essential goods are available to all citizens without undue price pressures.
