Davao Oriental Mandates Price Monitoring Teams to Stabilize Market Conditions
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has issued a directive for all local government units (LGUs) in the province to activate their municipal price monitoring teams. This move aims to ensure price stability and protect consumers from unfair trade practices amid ongoing economic challenges.
Executive Order Targets Price Stability
Through Executive Order No. 25, series of 2026, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang emphasized the need for proactive monitoring of market prices. Current economic fluctuations and supply chain disruptions have heightened concerns over potential increases in the cost of goods. The order cites continuous rises in petroleum prices due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has driven global oil prices upward, as a key factor necessitating this action.
"There is an urgent need to activate and strengthen the Municipal Price Monitoring Teams to ensure strict adherence to Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) and shield the consuming public from unfair trade practices," Dayanghirang stated in the executive order. The directive references Republic Act No. 7581, also known as the Price Act, as amended by RA 10623, which outlines the state's policy to ensure the availability of basic goods at reasonable prices while protecting against hoarding, profiteering, and cartels.
Responsibilities of Monitoring Teams
Section 1 of the executive order mandates all city and municipal mayors in Davao Oriental to activate their Municipal Price Monitoring Teams or Local Price Coordinating Councils. The teams are tasked with several critical duties to maintain market integrity:
- Conducting regular price monitoring in public markets, supermarkets, and retail stores to track prices of basic commodities.
- Ensuring compliance with the Price Act and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) price bulletins.
- Submitting weekly price monitoring reports to the Office of the Governor.
Additionally, the teams must inform the public about SRPs, identify "price billboards" in major trading centers, and recommend filing charges against establishments engaged in price manipulation, hoarding, profiteering, or cartels.
Coordinated Efforts for Consumer Protection
Earlier, the provincial government convened the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) to enhance coordinated monitoring and response measures. This council aims to protect consumers and maintain stable market conditions across Davao Oriental. The activation of municipal teams aligns with these broader efforts to address inflationary pressures and ensure fair trade practices.
In a related development, the LGU previously issued Executive Order No. 23, series of 2026, in compliance with Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026. This order adopts measures to strengthen energy conservation and improve government efficiency, including implementing energy-saving measures and adopting a four-day compressed workweek from Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Overall, Davao Oriental's proactive steps through executive orders highlight a commitment to safeguarding economic stability and consumer welfare in the face of global and local challenges.
