In response to the recent declaration of a state of calamity, authorities in Bacolod City have swiftly moved to implement and enforce a price freeze on essential goods. A major monitoring operation was launched to protect consumers from potential price hikes.
Joint Inspection Teams Deployed Across Markets
On November 28, 2025, the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Occidental, conducted comprehensive inspections. The operation covered public markets and major grocery stores throughout the city to ensure strict adherence to the newly activated Automatic Price Control (APC) order.
The inspection was a collaborative effort, involving a wide array of city offices. The composite team included representatives from the City Administrator’s Office, City Legal Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Health Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Department of Social Services and Development, and the Bacolod City Police Office. Personnel from Burgos Market and other concerned departments also participated in the citywide enforcement drive.
Stable Prices and Sufficient Supply Confirmed
According to Engiemar Tupas, chief trade and industry development specialist of DTI–Negros Occidental, the initial findings are reassuring for Bacolod residents. “Based on the joint monitoring team's inspection at KJ Fairmart and Grocermart along Hilado Street, no price increases were observed on basic necessities,” Tupas stated. The items checked included bottled water, sardines, noodles, coffee, and other products monitored by the DTI.
Tupas provided further confidence by noting that current inventory levels in the inspected grocery stores are adequate. He assessed that the supply of these basic goods could sufficiently meet demand until the end of December. The monitoring teams also conducted checks inside Burgos Public Market and Central Market as part of the broader enforcement effort.
Legal Basis and Ongoing Vigilance
The price control mechanism was formally activated after Mayor Greg Gasataya signed the APC order alongside DTI–Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal. This action triggers provisions under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, which mandates an automatic price freeze in areas under a state of calamity. The freeze can last for up to 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the President.
The DTI has committed to continuing its joint monitoring and inspection activities in other areas under its jurisdiction within Negros Occidental. This is to ensure sustained compliance with the price freeze across the province. Business owners are strongly reminded to strictly observe the mandated price ceilings.
Consumers in Bacolod are encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspected violations of the price freeze. Reports can be made directly to the DTI–Negros Occidental Provincial Office at (034) 441-3644.
