The Cebu Provincial Government is urging local governments to step up monitoring of basic commodity prices after finding that only 11 local government units (LGUs) in the province currently have operational Local Price Monitoring Councils.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro said stronger coordination with city and municipal governments is needed to prevent unjustified price increases and protect consumers amid growing global economic uncertainty.
To address the gap, the provincial government has scheduled a meeting with mayors from across Cebu on March 12, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Officials will discuss measures to strengthen price monitoring systems and enforce regulations on essential goods.
The meeting will also include representatives from national agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev).
Baricuatro said the initiative comes as authorities monitor potential economic ripple effects from tensions in the Middle East, which could affect fuel and commodity prices worldwide.
“We understand the concern of our people about the possible effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on fuel and commodity prices,” the governor said.
Despite global uncertainty, Baricuatro assured residents that Cebu currently has sufficient supplies of essential commodities and that authorities are keeping a close watch on market conditions.
Earlier, she convened members of the Provincial Price Monitoring Council to review supply and price movements of key goods across the province.
Reports from the council indicated that Cebu’s essential commodities are sufficient for about three months, easing fears of an immediate shortage.
However, officials noted that some municipalities have already recorded increases in rice prices, prompting closer monitoring. Baricuatro cited reports showing that rice prices in Carcar City and Catmon have risen above usual levels.
“So far, the report is that ganador rice is the one that increased, but there are municipalities where prices have gone up,” Baricuatro said.
In some markets, ganador rice has reportedly climbed to over P60 per kilogram, while premium varieties reached around P70 per kilogram.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces explained that while the provincial government can recommend policies through the Provincial Price Monitoring Council, enforcement largely falls under the authority of city and municipal governments.
LGUs are empowered to inspect establishments, penalize violators, and pursue legal action against businesses that violate pricing regulations.
Officials also observed price variations in other commodities, such as pork, which reportedly sells at higher prices in southern Cebu compared to other areas.
Baricuatro said these discrepancies will be reviewed as officials examine the suggested retail prices monitored by various government agencies.
During the upcoming meeting with mayors, the provincial government will also push for the establishment of Local Price Monitoring Councils in all LGUs to improve coordination and enforcement.
“After all, the LGUs have their own ordinances on consumption and business regulation,” Baricuatro said.
She also warned businesses against taking advantage of the situation by imposing unjustified price increases.
“Let me be very clear: we will not tolerate anyone taking advantage of this situation to unfairly increase prices or profit from the worries of our people,” the governor said.
She added that sanctions could include penalties and even cancellation of business permits for violators.
Meanwhile, the provincial government is exploring ways to involve the public in monitoring commodity prices.
PIO head Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong said authorities are considering an online reporting platform where consumers can submit complaints and attach photos of products or receipts as evidence.
While a dedicated mobile application is still being studied, officials said the province may initially use tools such as Google Forms to collect consumer reports.
Baricuatro also urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic buying, stressing that authorities are closely coordinating with national agencies and LGUs to ensure stable supply and fair pricing across Cebu.
“The Provincial Government of Cebu remains fully committed to protecting the welfare of our people,” she said.
