Following consumer reports of price deviations from the Noche Buena Price Guide, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a meeting with manufacturers of the Christmastime items on Monday.
“As part of our commitment to ensure that Noche Buena items remain affordable and of good quality this holiday season, we are intensifying our price monitoring efforts all over the country.
Through this meeting with manufacturers, we aim to assure consumers that the DTI remains at the forefront of ensuring that the rights of consumers are protected,” said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual in a statement.
The DTI said it acted swiftly after receiving reports about certain Christmas products exceeding the price guide, specifically queso de bola, fruit cocktails, ham, all-purpose cream, and mayonnaise.
In response, the manufacturers agreed to collaborate with their retail partners to address these concerns. Some even pledged to intensify their own price and supply monitoring efforts, ensuring adherence to the Price Guide until yearend, the statement added.
The manufacturers confirmed adequate supply of Noche Buena items throughout the holiday season, reaffirming their previous commitment during a meeting held on Nov. 7 prior to the Price Guide’s release, DTI said.
Pascual urged manufacturers and retailers to comply with the price guide and encouraged consumers to utilize it for informed purchasing decisions.
“That is what the Price Guide is for—that consumers will be informed so they may exercise their right to choose. I also instructed our price monitors to ramp up their price monitoring activities,” he said.