Dumaguete: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is closely monitoring big retail stores in the province to ensure that prices of school supplies and other commodities remain at acceptable levels, an official said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Krystle Jade Bato, DTI spokesperson and officer-in-charge of the Consumer Protection Division, stated in a media interview that teams have been dispatched to these retail outlets to keep track of the prices of school supplies. "As early as April, we already started our monitoring and surveillance of Balik Eskwela items, such as notebooks, ballpens, pencils, and others, to establish a price guide that we will be releasing soon," Bato said.

The price guide is intended to assist consumers in understanding the potential cost of specific items and brands. Bato mentioned that the guide will be provided to retailers and shared with consumers through social media platforms. This effort aims to maintain transparency and prevent potential overpricing during the back-to-school season.

On May 21, the DTI conducted a Diskwento Caravan in Basay, the southernmost town of Negros Oriental. During this event, items such as noodles, school uniforms, and supplies were sold at discounted prices. Bato explained that the activity coincided with the distribution of financial assistance to farmers by the Department of Agriculture.

Instead of hosting a Diskwento Caravan in Dumaguete, the DTI has collaborated with local retailers to offer an "in-house discount" on certain items. This initiative seeks to make essential school supplies more affordable for students, parents, and teachers as they prepare for the start of classes on June 8.

Bato noted that no complaints of overpricing have been received so far. However, she urged the public to report any unusual activities in retail stores related to the sale of school supplies and related products to the DTI.