DTI cautions consumers to avoid panic buying, hoarding bottled water amid El Niño threats

LUCENA CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds consumers to remain vigilant and make informed purchasing decisions amid concerns over the possible impacts of the Very Strong El Niño, reminding the public that panic buying and hoarding bottled water may trigger unnecessary fear and supply concerns.

According to DTI CALABARZON Regional Director Marissa Argente, panic buying and hoarding could drive up demand for essential goods, potentially leading to supply shortages and limiting other consumers’ access to basic necessities.

“Hindi tayo kinakailangan mag-panic, kasi kapag tayo ay nag-panic, uubusan lang natin ang iba. Hindi ‘yon ang tamang reaksyon. Ang kinakailangan, magtipid, at nang lahat ay magkaroon ng pagkakataon. So, antabayan lang tayo kung ano pa ‘yung magiging other directives pagdating sa ating pangangailangan sa tubig,” Director Argente said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.

The Trade department assures that it conducts regular price monitoring to ensure that establishments and businesses do not take advantage of the challenges facing the country, by imposing unjustified price increases.

The DTI director said that its Fair Trade Group, coordinates and engages with manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities to discuss and review proposed price adjustments in accordance with existing regulations.

However, some manufacturers and brands may implement price increases due to various factors, including the potential impacts of a Very Strong El Niño, rising fuel costs, higher electricity charges, and other operational expenses. These manufacturers and brands may fall outside the scope of the DTI’s price monitoring and regulatory jurisdiction.

Such increases could affect the prices of certain goods in the market, underscoring the importance of continued price monitoring and consumer awareness.

“Maraming factors talaga that play doon sa decision ng isang company to increase its prices, pero ang ma-assure lang namin ay kinakailangan talagang magtulungan ang gobyerno at ang ating mga negosyo kasi hindi naman maaari na ‘yung isa lang ang kikilos, kinakailangan talaga partnership ito kaya ang DTI nakikipag-usap talaga sa manufacturers,” Argente said.

As the DTI observes Consumer Welfare Month this October, the agency aims to strengthen consumer awareness by encouraging the public to make informed purchasing decisions, understand their rights and responsibilities, and adopt wise buying and saving practices amid concerns over the possible impacts of a Very Strong El Niño, the ongoing fuel crisis, and other economic challenges.

She further stated, “Sinasabihan tayo na maghanda; bilang mga responsableng consumers, tayo ay magtipid. ‘Yan talaga ang message na gustong iparating ng ating national government sa lahat. Everybody is a consumer. Kahit ikaw ay may negosyo, consumer ka; kahit ikaw ay bata, matanda, consumer ka. So, tayo po ay magtipid.”

Director Argente also shared that the agency has lined up various activities for the month and encourages the public, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) across the region to participate in the initiatives aimed at promoting consumer awareness, and fostering fair and responsible business practices. (COP/PIA CALABARZON)