In the wake of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao, the government has imposed a 60-day price freeze and activated emergency livelihood support in affected areas, aiming to stabilize access to essentials while speeding up community and business recovery.
The powerful earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani on Monday has left a growing trail of devastation across Mindanao, with disaster officials reporting 37 fatalities, 479 injuries, and four people still missing. The tremor also inflicted hundreds of millions of pesos in damage to infrastructure, including schools, roads, and bridges, hampering recovery efforts in several affected communities.
Trade authorities have instructed regional offices to closely monitor markets, ensuring strict compliance with price controls on basic goods. The freeze is intended to prevent unjustified spikes in costs, safeguarding affordable food and necessities for displaced families.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted the government’s active presence in the field. “On a daily basis, our regional offices are on the ground to make sure that there is enough food supply and that prices are stable and don’t move,” she said.
Roque noted the ongoing coordination with suppliers and distributors to avoid disruptions in areas where infrastructure and logistics were affected.
Complementing these price measures, financial support has been rolled out for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Emergency loan facilities and an enterprise rehabilitation fund are ready to help businesses restore operations, replace damaged assets, and restart local economic activity.
Officials confirmed funding has already been allocated, allowing qualified borrowers immediate access.
Structural inspections of damaged buildings continue as part of broader recovery planning, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development is ramping up relief deliveries and temporary shelters for evacuees, including those in remote communities.
Malacañang assured residents that government support remains sustained, with coordinated efforts across agencies designed to maintain food supply, stabilize prices, and help communities rebuild quickly and safely.
The combined measures underscore a comprehensive approach: protecting households from sudden price shocks, sustaining local businesses, and accelerating recovery in earthquake-struck areas.
