MANILA — Prices of basic and prime commodities monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will remain unchanged until April 30, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said.

“Me and (Department of Agriculture) Secretary Kiko (Francisco Tiu Laurel), we go together in the palengke (markets) and also in the supermarkets to make sure that there’s enough food supply and also the prices are stable. I would also like to announce that there is no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the month, until April 30,” she said during the opening of the DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair at SM Megamall.

The extension adds two weeks to the earlier April 16 deadline set by the DTI following consultations with manufacturers.

Roque said the government continues to closely monitor prices and supply as fuel costs rise due to tensions in the Middle East. She added that regular coordination with manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers is ongoing to safeguard both consumers and businesses.

She also conducted a market inspection at a supermarket, where some items were found to be priced below the suggested retail price (SRP). According to Roque, DTI personnel have been carrying out regular price checks even before the recent global developments.

“So, again, no need to panic. No need to worry. Prices of basic and prime commodities under DTI’s list remain stable,” she said.

Roque also underscored continued government support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through trade fairs and expanded access to international markets.

“This fair is proof that when we provide the platform and the right support, Filipino MSMEs can succeed both locally and globally. For local, we have a huge market. We have almost 115 million Filipinos. The market is big. Let’s take advantage of this market and this opportunity,” she said.

She noted that export growth reached a record 15.4 percent in 2025 and has continued to expand in early 2026.

“So there’s really a lot of opportunities for Filipino products out there,” she said.

“Let’s continue to support the MSMEs as best and as aggressive as we can. That determination is showing up in our numbers.”