Typhoon-hit Cebu City asks DTI to impose price freeze

Local

THE Cebu City Government has called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to impose a price freeze on basic and prime commodities following the city’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the damage caused by Typhoon Tino.

The Cebu City Council approved the resolution during a special session on Wednesday, November 5, alongside the declaration recommended by the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC).

Under the Price Act (Republic Act No. 7581), a price freeze automatically takes effect in areas under a state of calamity.

However, the city’s formal resolution aims to reinforce price monitoring and prevent overpricing of essential goods such as rice, canned food, bottled water, fuel, and construction materials.

Mayor Nestor Archival earlier said the city is closely coordinating with the DTI and local retailers to ensure compliance with the price freeze.

The CCDRRMC, through Resolution No. 110, Series of 2025, stated that the calamity declaration enables the city to mobilize resources, access emergency funds, and implement urgent disaster response and recovery measures in accordance with Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

With the declaration, Cebu City can now utilize ₱120 million from its Quick Response Fund (QRF) and ₱33 million from its Relief and Recovery Assistance Fund for immediate relief and rehabilitation operations.

Typhoon Tino, which struck the Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 205 kph, triggered flash floods and landslides across several barangays in Cebu City. The CCDRRMC confirmed at least nine fatalities and several missing persons as of Tuesday, November 4.

Across Cebu Province, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) recorded 98 deaths and more than 120,000 displaced residents. Liloan reported the highest number of fatalities with 35, followed by Compostela with 16, and Mandaue City with 12.

Archival said the city’s focus is on road clearing, utility restoration, and aid distribution to affected residents. He also suspended work in city offices to allow employees to assist in relief operations.

Donation centers have been opened for food, water, hygiene kits, and other essentials, while authorities continue to warn residents of possible landslides and renewed flooding in saturated areas.

Prior to the typhoon’s landfall, Archival had urged the public to avoid panic buying, assuring that food and water supplies in the city remained stable.(TGP)