Price freeze over Luzon as state of calamity is declared

APRICE freeze is now in effect in Luzon after President Duterte placed the entire Luzon under a state of calamity due to the recent typhoons which devastated the country.

On Wednesday, Duterte finally signed Proclamation No. 1051 to make the declaration based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ( NDRRMC).

"This declaration will, among others, effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities for the affected areas," Duterte said.

The state of calamity in Luzon will remain in effect until the President lifts it.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the price freeze will cover the following food items: rice, corn, cooking oil, dried and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and vegetables, root crops, sugar and fresh fruits.

He said it will also include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, and locally manufactured instant noodles.

For non-food items, he said the prize freeze will apply to firewood and charcoal, drugs classified essential by the Department of Health, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene.

Duterte’s declaration also aims to hasten the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of the government and the private sector in areas devastated by typhoons Quinta (international name: Molave), Rolly (international name: Goni), and Ulysses (international name: Vamco).

"All departments and concerned agencies are working together towards the rescue, recovery, relief and rehabilitation of affected areas and residents," Duterte said.

To facilitate the rehabilitation efforts, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 120 creating the Build Back Better Task Force ( BBBTF) to be led by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The BBBTF will be vice chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from an initial 21 government agencies.

Roque earlier said the BBBTF will be led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Duterte said the BBBTF will serve as the "overall and central body to ensure the entire whole- ofgovernment implementation and monitoring of post- disaster recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the national government in typhoonaffected area."