To protect consumers against price irregularities in local markets, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is imposing a suggested retail price (SRP) for selected agriculture and fishery products.

“Under the Price Act, the DA is directed, whenever necessary, to issue a Suggested Retail Price or SRP for any or all basic necessities and prime commodities under its jurisdiction for the information and guidance of producers, retailers, and consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar, as he signed the DA Administrative Circular No. 01, on February 20, 2020.

“The circular covers Metro Manila markets only. The implementing rules and regulations also direct the DA to determine, recommend, and enforce price ceilings when necessary,” Secretary Dar added.

Covered are the following food items, with their respective SRP per kilogram (kg):

• Pork (pigue/kasim) – P190;
• Chicken (whole, dressed) – P130;
• Sugar (raw, brown) – P45;
• Sugar (refined) – P50;
• Bangus (cage-cultured) – P162;
• Tilapia (pond-cultured) – P120;
• Galunggong (imported) – P130;
• Garlic (fresh) – P70 imported;
• Garlic – P120 local; and
• Red onion (fresh) – P95.

“We will conduct regular monitoring of these agri-fishery commodities to protect consumers against hoarding and profiteering of unscrupulous traders and cartels, who manipulate for their advantage the supply, distribution, marketing and prices of basic agri-fishery goods,” Secretary Dar said.

“The DA is joining forces with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and respective LGUs in Metro Manila to strictly monitor the prices in public markets on a regular basis, and impose sanctions on erring retailers,” Secretary Dar said.

“In setting up the SRP for selected food items, we will ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices at all times, without denying legitimate businesses a fair return on their investments,” the DA chief concluded.

The SRP circular will be published on February 21 in two national newspapers, and takes effect three days after, on Monday, February 24. ### (Rita dela Cruz, DA Communications Group)

The DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS)
will answer inquiries on SRP at telephone nos. 89268203 or 89288741 to 65 local 2165.