Ilocos: The Department of Trade and Industry-Ilocos regional office (DTI-1) has assured consumer protection measures and assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid expected commodity price increases in the coming months due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer Clyde Ciddrick Yapit of DTI-Ilocos Region mentioned in an online forum that the regional operations group from the central office and all regional offices nationwide conducted an emergency meeting addressing the crisis. One of the initial consumer protection measures is strict and regular price monitoring in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Energy (DOE).

"Right now, we have already deployed our monitoring team. They conduct price monitoring along with LGUs, with representatives from the DOE because they are in charge of the regulation of fuel prices and energy," Yapit said. The department is gathering data for possible next steps, including setting standard retail prices based on the data gathered in the coming weeks.

Yapit also highlighted the potential implementation of a price freeze, stating, "It also depends on the announcement of a possible price freeze, like what happened last year, so we will also be on the lookout for the implementation of possible price freeze because of the crisis in the Middle East." While the price increase is not yet fully felt, there have been reports from provinces of moderate panic buying.

DTI has programs available to support small business owners, such as the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program, which provides kits and training to MSMEs, particularly those affected by calamities, health crises, or in isolated areas. Beneficiaries typically receive business starter kits worth PHP10,000 to PHP15,000, along with entrepreneurship and business continuity training.

"For example, we have PPG, which is a program that provides financial assistance to small business owners who will be affected by crises like natural disasters, or fuel crises, or sudden rise in prices due to the war crisis in the Middle East," Yapit explained.

He advised small business owners to use their resources efficiently and help in energy conservation, emphasizing, "Because it's not just an individual effort, but it's a group contribution. So to small business owners, make sure that you're using your resources efficiently. Don't be wasteful in energy, or in capital, so at least we'll be able to stretch our existing resources."