The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 is enforcing the automatic price freeze on basic necessities in areas of Central Luzon placed under a State of Calamity, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended.
The measure seeks to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases and ensure the continued availability and affordability of essential goods in communities affected by the recent flooding and heavy rains brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and tropical cyclones.
As of September 1, 2026, the following provinces in Central Luzon have been declared under a State of Calamity:
Pampanga – August 12, 2026
Bulacan – August 17, 2026
Zambales – August 19, 2026
Bataan – August 20, 2026
Tarlac – August 30, 2026
The declaration of a State of Calamity automatically triggers a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities, with prices maintained at their prevailing levels immediately prior to the declaration, unless the price control is lifted earlier by the President.
In Bulacan, the province-wide State of Calamity was approved through Provincial Resolution No. 708-T’2026 during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on August 17, with the price freeze taking effect on the same date.
In Pampanga, the entire province was placed under a State of Calamity on August 12 through Provincial Resolution No. 10524, following widespread flooding across the province.
Meanwhile, Zambales was placed under a province-wide State of Calamity on August 19 due to extensive damage caused by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon. Bataan followed on August 20, after the provincial board approved the declaration amid significant damage to properties, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Tarlac was declared under a State of Calamity on August 30 through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 416-2026, following widespread flooding and damage to major infrastructure.
Under the Price Act, covered establishments are prohibited from increasing the prices of basic necessities beyond their prevailing prices prior to the declaration. Among the basic necessities covered are canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bottled water, and other goods identified under the applicable price freeze bulletin.
The DTI, through its Regional and Provincial Offices, continues to conduct price and supply monitoring in affected areas to check compliance, ensure adequate supply, and safeguard the welfare of consumers. The agency is also coordinating with local government units and Local Price Coordinating Councils to maintain market stability and facilitate the availability of essential goods.
DTI reminds retailers and other establishments to strictly observe the mandated price freeze and maintain adequate supplies of covered basic necessities. Businesses found selling covered goods above the prescribed prevailing prices may be subject to appropriate administrative and/or criminal sanctions under the Price Act.
Further, DTI warns businesses not to hoard basic necessities and create artificial shortages to drive up prices, and warns against profiteering or charging unreasonable prices, especially during a calamity. Violators of the Price Act may face imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines of up to ₱2 million.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected violations, including unreasonable price increases, hoarding, and profiteering, to the DTI through the Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices.
DTI Region 3 remains committed to protecting consumers and ensuring that basic necessities remain accessible and reasonably priced, especially during times of calamity.