Cebu City is pursuing direct supplier partnerships and Kadiwa-style market initiatives to bring cheaper goods closer to communities as part of efforts to contain rising prices and stabilize supply.
The strategy was discussed by the Cebu City Special Price Monitoring and Consumer Protection Body (SPMCPB) during a meeting on March 23, which brought together government agencies, business groups, and local offices to align on immediate interventions.
Local officials said shortening the supply chain—linking producers and distributors directly to consumers—could help cushion households from price volatility, particularly for basic and prime commodities.
The initiative draws from the national government’s Kadiwa program, which connects farmers and producers directly to buyers, often resulting in lower retail prices due to reduced transport and intermediary costs.
Alongside direct sourcing, the city is strengthening coordination with suppliers, supermarkets, and warehouses to ensure adequate stock and prevent unjustified price hikes.
The SPMCPB, chaired by Mayor Nestor Archival, also approved complementary measures, including regular price bulletins, intensified market inspections, and closer monitoring of fuel prices.
These steps are anchored on Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, which mandates a price freeze on basic necessities during declared emergencies for up to 60 days unless lifted or extended.
Officials emphasized that timely access to price data and enforcement at the barangay and market levels are key to sustaining fair pricing.
The city is also engaging the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders to align pricing practices while ensuring business viability.
Archival said the city aims to balance consumer protection with a stable business environment.
“Padayon ta sa pag-monitor ug pagtabang sa atong katawhan. We will make sure nga patas ang presyo, naa’y supply, ug dili maabuso ang mga konsumidor,” he said.
The measures come amid heightened monitoring across Cebu, driven by concerns over possible market disruptions linked to global developments, including tensions in the Middle East.
While provincial officials said supply remains sufficient, they acknowledged price increases in some areas and disparities across local markets.
Cebu City earlier created the SPMCPB through an executive order as a rapid-response mechanism under the mayor’s office, complementing the existing Price Coordinating Council mandated by ordinance.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected overpricing or hoarding as the city intensifies enforcement and explores long-term solutions such as direct sourcing and community-based markets to keep essential goods affordable. (LLP)
