ILOILO — The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 (DTI-6) reminded the public that a price freeze on essential goods remains in effect across Western Visayas due to the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon “Tino” last November.
Grace M. Benedicto, DTI-6’s Consumer Protection Division Chief, said the 60-day price freeze comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity through Proclamation No. 1077 on November 6, 2025, aimed at facilitating rapid rescue, recovery, relief, and rehabilitation efforts during this dire period.
“By virtue of Proclamation 1077, there is a price freeze nationwide from time nga na-issue siya. Until 60 days ang price freeze i-impose,” Benedicto said during a press conference on Wednesday, December 3.
The price freeze will remain in force for 60 days, or until lifted by the President. This is a pivotal move to ensure that essential goods remain accessible to the affected population particularly this holiday season.
“Only basic necessities fall under the price freeze imposed by our Price Act, ensuring that consumers can still afford these vital products during this emergency,” Benedicto added.
This holiday season, the DTI-6 said it is committed to monitoring market prices and protecting consumers from potential overpricing or hoarding of basic commodities.
It urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could undermine the objectives of the price freeze.
To recall, Typhoon “Tino” wreaked havoc across multiple regions in the country, leading to severe flooding, landslides, and significant loss of life and property. Its impact has disrupted livelihoods and caused immense psychological and economic strain on communities, making essential goods even more crucial.
In Western Visayas, “Tino” has impacted 323,744 families, or over 1.04 million individuals, leaving six deaths: three in Capiz and one each in Antique, Guimaras and Iloilo, according to a report from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6.
RDRRMC 6 data further showed that of the total 20,888 houses affected, over 529 were completely destroyed and 20,359 were partially damaged.
Iloilo reported the most number of affected houses at 7,463, followed by Guimaras (4,985), Antique (4,627), Aklan (2,997), and Capiz (816).
Meanwhile, the cost of damage to infrastructure in Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo reached P56.21 million.
Data from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) showed that 15 infrastructure projects were damaged across the region, including eight in Iloilo, three in Aklan, and two each in Antique and Guimaras.
RDRRMC chairperson Raul Fernandez noted that most of the affected structures were roads and bridges, such as the old Oyungan Bridge in Miag-ao town and a road slip in Tiolas, San Joaquin, both in Iloilo province.
In terms of agricultural impacts, the sector reported production losses exceeding P46.53 million, broken down as follows: Iloilo with P21.94 million, Guimaras with P10.31 million, Aklan with P4.13 million, Antique with P7.04 million, and Capiz with P3.1 million./PN
