A price freeze is now in effect across Ilocos Norte following the declaration of a state of calamity due to the damage caused by the southwest monsoon, intensified by #CarinaPH.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that the heavy rains and flooding caused an estimated P1 billion in damage to agriculture and infrastructure in Ilocos Norte.

In response, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has enforced a price freeze on basic commodities, including rice, cooking oil, eggs, sugar, salt, canned goods, bread, soap, fish, meat, and vegetables. 

The price freeze is also in effect for petroleum products and LPG.

Meanwhile, prices of vegetables go up at the Laoag City Public Market.

Prices of some vegetables rose by P20 to P30 per kilo. Vendors said the price increase is due to higher wholesale costs after rains damaged the crops in the region.

"Para sakin makapresyo ako ng fix[ed] price kasi distibutor [at] seller ako, pwedeng mas mababa sakin, pero pano yung mga iba, syempre mas mahal sa kanila kasi angkat nila samin," Lucina Llanes, a vegetable vendor, said.

Shoppers are left with no choice but to buy less vegetables.

"Wala akong masasabi kasi mahal na talaga, tumaas lahat ng presyo... gulay o isda tumaas lahat," Fely Ragusante, a customer, said.

The prices of pork and chicken remain stable at P300 and P230 per kilo, respectively. 

Meanwhile, bangus and tilapia are priced at P130 per kilo, depending on the size.

DTI assured it will monitor markets to ensure compliance with price freeze regulations.