Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said food companies and retailers have agreed to keep prices steady for up to two months, as the government moves to cushion the impact of global uncertainties on basic goods.
The assurance came after Marcos inspected the distribution center of Century Pacific Food Inc. in Calamba City, where he said supply remains sufficient and stable across the sector.
“Simple lang naman, andito tayo upang tingnan ang suplay ng pagkain at ang presyuhan ng pagkain,” Marcos said.
[Translation: It’s simple — we are here to check food supply and pricing].
He said the government is coordinating with industry partners to make sure daily needs are met.
“Lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan… nilalapitan natin ang mga partner natin na food suppliers para sa pang-araw-araw ng taumbayan,” he added
[Translation: All government agencies are reaching out to our partner food suppliers for the daily needs of the public].
Marcos said stock levels are beyond what was shown during the inspection.
He added that companies have committed to keeping prices from rising as long as possible.
“Pumapayag sila na huwag muna itaas ang presyo hangga’t kaya nila… kaya siguro mga isang buwan, ‘yung iba baka dalawang buwan hindi magagalaw ang presyo,” Marcos said
[Translation: They have agreed not to raise prices as much as they can… so for about a month, and for some maybe up to two months, prices will remain unchanged].
The president credited private sector cooperation for helping stabilize prices, while assuring the public sector of continued monitoring.
The government said it will sustain close coordination with suppliers and retailers to keep food supply stable and prices manageable amid ongoing Middle East crisis.
