BACOLOD City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Occidental reminded the public anew of the implementation of price freeze in La Castellana town.
The agency said prices of basic commodities in La Castellana would remain unchanged for at least 60 days following last week’s declaration of a state of calamity in the town due to the eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano on June 3.
Lynna Joy Cardinal, director of DTI-Negros Occidental, said they also continue to monitor the prices of basic commodities to ensure compliance of the price freeze.
So far, Cardinal said, their monitoring team has not received any complaint from consumers regarding the prices of essential goods, particularly bottled water.
She added that business establishments have adequate supply of basic commodities.
Also, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene products is in effect in the town until June 18.
The DOE likewise said that price increases are prohibited during the period, while price rollbacks will still take effect.
La Castellana, situated at the foot of Kanlaon Volcano, is one of the most vulnerable local government units (LGUs) in case of volcanic eruption by having five barangays in the danger zone and was thus, very much affected of the said eruption, part of the resolution said.
On Friday, June 7, the local government of La Castellana sought assistance for residents affected by the volcano eruption.
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said between 10,000 to 12,000 residents from 13 barangays were affected, most of whom are farmers in upland villages.
She said they need potable water as well as cash assistance to buy food and medicines particularly for residents who suffered from cough, asthma ad eye irritation due to the volcanic ash.
The mayor added the eruption of the volcano and the lahar flow induced by rains contaminated water sources./PN
