President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday assured Filipinos that the country’s food supply will remain sufficient even in the long term, despite global disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
During his visit to the distribution center of Century Pacific Incorporated (CPFI), Marcos said:
“Ang suplay ay hindi kailangang mag-alala ang taong-bayan. Ang food supply natin ay sapat kahit na pangmatagalan.”
He also sought to ease concerns over potential price increases, noting that manufacturers have committed to keeping prices stable for at least the next 30 days.
“Sila naman ay pumapayag na [to] keep the prices–na hindi tataas ang presyo hangga’t kaya nila, kaya’t siguro mga isang buwan, ’yung iba baka dalawang buwan, hindi magagalaw ‘yung presyo,” he added.
CPFI Executive Vice President Gregory Banzon said the company’s inventory—covering supermarkets, distributors, warehouses, and raw materials—can last up to 45 days.
“What we did is we’ve expanded [the] number of suppliers that we deal with on a global scale,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque confirmed that inspections conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) show enough food supply to last at least 30 days.
“So ‘yon lang ang gusto nating malaman ng publiko na we have enough supply of food.”
She added that the DTI has not received reports of hoarding or profiteering, with supermarket owners pledging to maintain current prices of essential goods.
Consumers were advised to check official price lists in stores and online, and report unauthorized increases through DTI channels.
Aldeguer-Roque said the government will continue providing updates as the situation evolves, noting that manufacturers have committed to holding prices for basic goods for up to 30 days, with some products covered for as long as 60 days.
“But at least, for now, the manufacturers that have products in the basic necessities and prime commodities have assured us that there will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities for the next 30 days. ‘Yung ibang produkto po meron tayong hanggang 60 days,” she said.