By: Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Prices of basic necessities across Agusan del Sur have been frozen at their prevailing levels following the provincial government’s declaration of a state of calamity due to severe agricultural devastation, critically low potable water supplies, and relentless high temperatures.
The automatic price freeze took effect immediately pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act of the Philippines, as amended by Republic Act No. 10623, according to a formal bulletin issued on Friday by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office.
The measure was triggered after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 585-26, series of 2026, on September 24, placing the entire province under a calamity status. Prolonged dry spells and soaring heat indices have dried up irrigation networks, parched croplands, depleted community water sources, and strained household incomes in multiple towns.
Under national law, the price cap remains in force for the duration of the emergency conditions that prompted it, but cannot exceed 60 days unless lifted earlier by the authorities.
The price control covers all essential items falling directly under DTI’s jurisdiction. These include canned fish and other processed marine items, processed and condensed milk, coffee, loaf and pan de sal bread, bottled drinking water, instant noodles, iodized and coarse salt, laundry soap, powder detergents, and candles.
DTI cautioned business operators, distributors, and public market vendors against unauthorized markups, hoarding, and predatory pricing while residents cope with the dry conditions.
Under the Price Act, individuals and enterprises found guilty of price gouging or violating the freeze order face imprisonment ranging from one to 10 years, fines between ₱5,000 and ₱1,000,000, or both, upon the discretion of the court, alongside administrative penalties including the possible revocation of local business permits.
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