ILOILO — As families across Western Visayas prepare for the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2, respectively, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 has given assurance that prices of key commodities — particularly candles and bottled water — remain stable and well within the suggested retail price (SRP).
DTI-6 officer-in-charge regional director Ma. Dinda Tamayo said in a press briefing that no incidents of overpricing, hoarding, or stock shortages have been found in the region following extensive monitoring in the lead-up to the annual commemoration of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
“Results from our monitoring show that prices for both candles and bottled water are stable, with no reported increases,” Tamayo said. “The supply situation across the region is adequate, with all monitored stores holding sufficient stock to meet consumer demand during the Undas period.”
The agency’s Consumer Protection Division inspected a total of 205 establishments — 33 in Aklan, 20 in Antique, 22 in Capiz, 21 in Guimaras, 52 in Iloilo, and 57 in Negros Occidental — covering 37 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of two candle brands and 34 SKUs of 10 bottled water brands.
Division Chief Grace M. Benedicto emphasized that all retailers are required to display clear price tags and adhere to SRP guidelines.
“Retailers selling common commodities must indicate their prices, and these should align with the SRP. If prices are unusually high, we require justification,” Benedicto explained. “For candles, pricing depends on raw materials, so any increase must be supported by cost data. So far, we haven’t received any reports of overpricing.”
Stable prices across stores
DTI data show that bottled water prices in supermarkets remain nearly unchanged from 2024 levels — Hidden Spring at P8 (330mL) and P11 (500mL); Refresh at P6 – P8.25; and Summit at P9 – P20 depending on size.
Grocery prices are similarly steady, with Summit’s 500mL bottle even dropping from P14.50 in 2023 to P11.25 this year, reflecting a 22% decrease.
For candles, 5-Star Esperma and Export brands retail between P49 and P69, while Liwanag Esperma candles decreased from P65.78 in 2023 to P55 this year.
Average price movements for both commodities remain within 2% to 3%, reinforcing DTI’s claim of market stability and sufficient supply.
Consumer advisory
DTI-6 urged consumers to buy properly labeled products and report any cases of unfair trade practices through its consumer hotline and regional offices.
The agency said its proactive monitoring and retailer coordination are part of a broader effort to maintain price transparency and consumer protection during high-demand seasons such as Halloween./PN
