Customers purchase goods at a supermarket in Manila on February 16, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that several food products will not see price increases for the time being.

"Yan po ay efforts ng meeting ng DTI at mga manufacturers... bilang tulong sa mga consumers natin. Kaso sa panahon ng El Niño, paano ba natin matutulungan ang mga consumers ngayong may El Niño at saka mayroon tayong inflation... so isa sa mga suggestion nila hindi na muna sila magtataas ng presyo," said Amanda Nograles, assistant secretary and supervising head of DTI's Consumer Protection Group (CPG).

(This is the result of discussions between the DTI and manufacturers... It's a way to assist consumers, especially during the El Niño period and amidst inflation. One of their suggestions is to hold off on price hikes.)

Among those who have pledged to keep prices steady are processed foods, bottled water, processed milk, and instant noodles.

According to Nograles, each manufacturer has provided different terms, with some committing to a 60-day freeze on prices, but with varying starting dates. This goes into effect immediately nationwide.

"Yung iba po nag-abiso sa amin ng early May hanggang mga first week of July po, 'yung iba naman po ngayon lang nagsabi. 'Yung iba po up to July 30 pero mga around June or July po effective. Hindi po muna sila magtataas o gagalaw ang presyuhan," Nograles said.

(Some informed us from early May until the first week of July, while others just notified us recently. Some have committed until July 30, but with effective dates around June or July, they will not be increasing or adjusting prices.)

"Patuloy pa kaming nakakatanggap ng advisory sa mga manufacturers. Kaya malugod pong ipinababalita ng DTI na dadami pa po ang listahan ng mga manufacturers na nagcommit po dito sa bayanihan para sa mga consumers," she added.

(We continue to receive advisories from manufacturers. Therefore, the DTI is pleased to announce that the list of manufacturers committing to this initiative for consumers will continue to grow.)