DTI brings Diskwento Caravan to Bohol

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is holding a series of Diskwento Caravan in several municipalities in the province of Bohol to bring basic goods at lower prices to families affected by the recent earthquake.

In a statement, the DTI said the Diskwento Caravan will be conducted with the Provincial Price Coordinating Council of Bohol and local government units in the towns of Antequera today (Oct. 27), Maribojoc on Tuesday (Oct. 29), and Tubigon on Thursday (Oct. 31).

The Diskwento Caravan is a flagship project of DTI where basic necessities and prime commodities are sold at discounted prices.

The project upholds the right of consumers to have access to basic goods, especially those belonging in marginalized communities.

During the Diskwento Caravan, basic necessities and prime commodities will be on sale such as canned goods, bath soaps, shampoos, coffee, milk, noodles, rice, biscuits, eggs,  bread, dressed chicken, bottled water and cleansing agents.

Among the manufacturers and suppliers in Bohol taking part in the Diskwento Caravan are the Alturas Group of Companies, Bohol Quality Corp., AH Shoppers’ Mart, Gardenia Bakeries Phils. Inc. as well as the National Food Authority.

“The DTI conducts Diskwento Caravans in Bohol to ensure that local consumers will have access to essential goods in the midst of the crisis they are facing,” DTI-Central Visayas regional director Asteria Caberte said.

Bohol was placed under a state of calamity following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake which hit the province earlier this month.

With the province declared under a state of calamity, a price freeze is also currently being implemented there.

The price freeze covers goods such as rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried and canned fish as well as other marine products; fresh pork; beef and poultry; eggs; fresh and processed milk; vegetables; root crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; fire wood; charcoal; and candles.

Under Republic Act 7581, also referred to as the Price Act, violators of the price freeze will have to pay an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or face a maximum of 10-year imprisonment.

Vendors found to be violating the price freeze by selling at higher prices must immediately be reported to the DTI’s office in Bohol or through telephone number (038) 501-8260.