CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gathered public servants, local leaders, private sector partners, and consumer advocates across Central Luzon during the 2025 Regional Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) Summit.
The event, which bears the theme “One Region, One Action: Unity in Consumer Protection”, aims to safeguard market stability by pushing for stronger consumer protection.
DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon cited the importance of price stability in maintaining public trust and supporting household budgets, as she reminded the participants of their duty to safeguard this stability.
“As public servants, stakeholders, and members of the LPCC, it is our duty to safeguard this stability through vigilant monitoring, timely intervention, and close coordination, so that fair and affordable prices remain within reach of every household,” she said.
Dizon also urged LPCC members to adopt a forward-looking approach by being proactive and creative, and swift in responding to any threats to price stability and consumer welfare.
Echoing this call, Federation of DTI-accredited Consumer Organizations in Region 3 President Romel Vallejo underscored the crucial role of consumer groups in LPCC operations.
Consumer groups serve as the voice of consumers. They bring the consumer experience to the market, grocery, and stores. This feedback from consumers themselves is crucial to developing effective and immediate solutions,” he said.
Vallejo explained that beyond being the voice of the public, consumer groups also serve as watchdogs.
“In many LGUs, they are deputized to assist in market inspections and monitoring compliance with the Suggested Retail Price and price ceilings. Their presence prevents hoarding, profiteering, and other unfair practices that harm consumers,” he said.
He also noted their role in advocacy and education, citing their partnership with DTI in promoting consumer rights and responsibilities, wise spending, and honest trade.
“Their participation gives the LPCC a voice and heart, and they ensure that decisions are based on actual market conditions,” Vallejo added.
The two also recognized ongoing initiatives to strengthen LPCC functions nationwide, including empowering consumer groups to participate in regular market inspections, enhancing coordination with national agencies to address unjust price increases, and implementing DTI programs such as saturation drives and Diskwento Caravans to bring affordable goods directly to communities.
The summit included plenary sessions on LPCC mandates and functions, updates on price trends and supply conditions, best practices in market monitoring and enforcement, and workshops in developing actionable strategies. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
