By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it hopes to release its price guide for items traditionally consumed during Christmas Eve feast within the next two weeks.
It added that it appealed to food manufacturers to postpone any price increases this year.
During Christmas Eve, the “Noche Buena” feast typically includes ham, fruit salad, and a form of Edam cheese known as queso de bola
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the price freeze request was conveyed to “only a few” manufacturers, leading to the decision to hold off on publishing the price guide.
“Some have already agreed not to raise prices. I will just wait for the others, para isahan na lang paglabas (to avoid having to redo the price guide),” she said on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. Business Summit 2025 on Wednesday.
She said that there has been no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities for over a year.
Ms. Roque warned that price increases run the risk of initiating a clamor for higher salaries.
“We cannot afford any more salary increases. Because ’pag nag-increase ng salary (when salaries rise), then everything goes up. We really have to start with no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities and the Noche Buena items,” she added.
She said she has come to price freeze agreements with some ham manufacturers, with some signaling possible price cuts.
“That’s something that we will be sharing soon once I get the list. But we hope to have no price increases for basic necessities and prime commodities,” she added.