Enough supply of goods assured

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the abrupt surge of demand for commodities, grocery store owners and supermarket operators guaranteed the sufficient and stable supply of goods for local consumption and for relief distribution efforts.

Cebu Holdings Inc. corporate communications manager Jeanette Japzon said that Metro Supermarket and Rustan's Supermarket in Ayala Mall Cebu still have plenty of supply and their warehouses are even full of stocks.

"Our merchants have assured us that they are working hard to cope with this extraordinary demand. They also have the assurance of their suppliers that they will have enough supply. In fact, we were buying relief goods earlier last Tuesday, there was still a lot of supply," she said.

She said, though, that the challenge for supermarkets is more on logistics and lack of existing manpower to refill the shelves as soon as they are empty.

Rose Jose of Metro Supermarket shared Japzon's observation, saying they have not encountered any problems with their stocks since they have sufficient supply in their warehouses.

She said they usually store stocks of goods that are enough for one month, depending on the goods' movement and stability in the market.

"This week, the demand is so high because of the calamity and we have to replenish our warehouse as soon as possible since we also serve wholesalers," she said.

Prince Warehouse Club president and chief executive officer Robert Go said  the public need not to worry since there would be no shortage of goods in their stores.

He explained that the huge demand in the market could be attributed to the purchase of similar items by the consuming public and those buying goods  for relief operations.

"There is no shortage, just too many are sending same item (to typhoon victims).  Many are buying for relief (operations) and they are repeatedly buying the same things such as noodles, sardines, rice, and cheap canned goods," he said.

Go also said that most government and non-government organizations distributing relief goods flock to Prince Warehouse Club since it is known as a low-cost and economical supermarket.

"We are also even supplying the relief goods of USA and Germany that are good for 200,000 persons," he added.

Department of Trade and Industry - Cebu Provincial Office (DTI-CPO) Director Nelia Navarro likewise said there is sufficient supply of commodities as local merchandisers usually reserve supplies good for one to two weeks and have prepared early because of the anticipated influx of customers for the holiday season.

She reminded the public that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain within the price control DTI imposed in accordance with the declaration of state of national calamity in the country three days after super typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines last week.

She also encouraged consumers to report any cases of price increase and the name of establishment to her office.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry raised the same concern but said that it would have to discuss it with the Philippine Retailers Association.  (FREEMAN)