Marcos Assures Public: No Need to Hoard as Food Supply Remains Stable

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public that there is no need to hoard food and basic goods, despite global uncertainties triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying the country’s food supply remains adequate and prices are generally stable.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting Agora Market in San Juan City, Marcos said the government continues to closely monitor market conditions to ensure sufficient supply and prevent unwarranted price increases.

“Sa Pilipinas, normal na muna ang ating mga presyuhan. Ang supply natin, maganda naman ang supply natin ng pagkain, ng bigas, lahat ng mga basic goods,” the President said.

“Kaya’t ‘yung ating mga kababayan, sinasabi natin hindi naman kailangan mag‑hoarding. Hindi tayo nagkukulang sa food supply,” he added.

Marcos said concerned government agencies have been regularly visiting public markets to check prices and ensure that vendors are complying with price caps and suggested retail prices (SRPs) set by the government.

“Itong pagpunta namin dito para tiyakin na ang presyo na ating binigay sa ating mga public vendor ay talagang sinusundan,” he said.

The President stressed that conditions remain manageable, noting that authorities are working to keep the situation stable amid external shocks.

“Everything is normal,” Marcos said, adding that the government will continue monitoring developments to protect livelihoods. “We’ll just keep working to make sure that it stays that way para naman ‘yung kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan ay hindi maapektuhan.”

DTI, DA Echo Assurance on Supply and Prices

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said supermarkets and grocery stores currently have sufficient stocks of basic necessities. She added that her department will meet with industry stakeholders every two weeks to assess supply conditions and pricing.

“Yes, compliance is really good. Actually, I just had a meeting with the manufacturers in the industries and they assured that no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities for the next 30 days,” Roque said, while noting that developments beyond that period remain uncertain due to the global situation.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture has not monitored any significant spike in agricultural prices so far, but cautioned that supply challenges could emerge in the coming months.

“But when the lean season comes and the fuel prices go up… there might be shortage,” he said, explaining that high fuel costs could affect fishing activity.

To address potential gaps, Tiu Laurel said the government is looking to strengthen aquaculture production. “So, that’s probably our trick to push our aquaculture industry… so that hopefully by that time, in May or June, we have ample supply of alternative seafoods,” he said.

The government reiterated that it remains vigilant in managing supply, prices, and market stability amid global economic uncertainty.

via Industry Daily News | PNA

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