By PR| 12:37 PM February 04, 2024
Gov. Aris Aumentado is determined to ease the perennial problem in Bohol: excessive price increases of basic commodities and prime commodities, especially fish prices.
Aumentado issued memorandum circular no. 1 on Jan. 1 urging local government units (LGUs) to reactivate their Municipal Price Coordinating Councils (MPCCs).
The directive aligns with joint memorandum circular (JMC) no. 3 of 2020 from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Health, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), strengthening the role of Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs).
Through the memorandum, MPCCs will be reactivated and strengthened, can recommend suggested retail prices (SRPs), analyze market price changes, establish a task force, and initiate legal action against violators.
JMC No. 3 refers to Article 2 of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, supported by the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2918-128 signed in 2018.
In a meeting held on Jan. 29, Gov. Aumentado, along with the Task Force Isda members, observed that the initiatives of the MPCCs constitute an effective method of addressing the continuing issue regarding fish prices.
He emphasized that monitoring the prices of goods requires a collective effort from all LGUs through a “whole-of-province approach.”
The governor also tasked provincial legal officer Handel Lagunay to develop a template for an executive order for mayors to reactivate their respective councils.
In an interview, Lagunay said the monitoring reports from LGUs will determine if their MPCC has been reactivated based on the released JMC.
“Ma-monitor, matan-aw ug ma-pangumusta, kay naa may regular reporting,” he expounded.
Lagunay also highlighted the crucial role and composition of MPCC members in efficiently implementing its functions.
“It is the discretion of the mayor kung kinsa ang iyang gisaligan ug gitan-aw nga angayan pud nga mabutang (sa council). Ang pinaka-importante gyud nila nga mahimo (MPCCs) is price monitoring ug maka-recommend ug reasonable SRPs,” Lagunay said.
Lagunay also expounded on further initiatives of the provincial government to attain food security in Bohol as envisioned in the strategic change agenda of the Aumentado-Balite administration.
“Naa atoang Fish Buy Back Program, ang pagpa-increase sa fish production nato aron mubarato ang presyo sa atong isda,” he underscored.
Present during the meeting were executive assistant for fisheries Al Piloton, provincial administrator Asteria Caberte, chief of staff Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office head Jovencia Ganub, Provincial Cooperative Development Office officer in charge Ma Conrada Fuentes, executive assistant for agriculture Ricardo Oblena, Salvio Madanguit, and Gil Bongato. (PIMO/JSS)
