Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya!

DA inspects Pasay City Public Market

Author: DA Press Office | 14 December 2024

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has intensified its initiatives to ensure sufficient supply and fair prices of staple foods in major markets across the National Capital Region (NCR) during the Christmas season.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., together with Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Assistant Secretary Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, Assistant Secretary Joycel R. Panlilio, and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) Director Junibert E. De Sagun, inspected the Rice-for-All (RFA) kiosk at the Pasay City Public Market on December 13, 2024. Joining them were representatives from the Pasay City government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The RFA program offers well-milled rice at an affordable price of ₱40 per kilo and is now available in 10 markets and 4 train stations.

Due to the high demand for RFA in Pasay, Secretary Tiu Laurel shared that the market vendors’ association requested to adjust the RFA operating hours from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM to accommodate the influx of shoppers. Additionally, the operating hours of RFA kiosks at LRT and MRT stations will be shifted from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM to 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM to align with the evening rush of commuters heading home.

He also announced that Kadiwa ng Pangulo will be set up at Pasay City Hall starting Monday, December 16, to provide more affordable food options.

Apart from rice, the DA inspected other sections of the market, including meat, poultry, fisheries, and vegetables. Notably, some stalls in the market were found to be non-compliant with proper labeling or price tagging requirements, as mandated by the Price Act.

“We will be talking with the vendors’ association and coordinating with the DTI,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said, adding that he was also surprised by the situation. He noted that they would discuss the matter further in the office to come up with better solutions.

Secretary Tiu Laurel reminded vendors who might attempt to exploit pricing to refrain from being abusive. He also emphasized that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will remain vigilant in monitoring market practices to ensure fairness and compliance with regulations.

“Pasko ngayon. I think everybody should share. Okay lang naman kumita, huwag naman abusado para iyong diwa ng Pasko ay mapaparamdam natin sa lahat ng Pilipino,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

DA also assured the public that the supply of staple foods in markets will be sufficient during the upcoming Christmas season. ### (By Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)

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