Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental said it is consistently tracking consumer goods prices as the holiday season approaches to prevent unwarranted hikes beyond recommended retail prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson Krystle Jade Bato mentioned that the central office instructed them as early as September to monitor prices, particularly for products in high demand during the Christmas season. “As early as September, we were instructed by our Consumer Advocacy Bureau to monitor the prices of Noche Buena items, such as cheese, spaghetti pasta, milk and similar products,” Bato said.

She added that the DTI usually releases a Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast) price guide by early November to give consumers choices based on suggested retail prices. Before that, every regional and provincial DTI office must conduct price collections to support the definitive price guide list.

In the meantime, Bato said they are keeping an eye on the prices of certain commodities, like bottled water and candles, for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2. Bato noted that they have no control over the prices of flowers, which are affected by seasonal demand.