The Lapu-Lapu City government has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cebu Provincial Office to strengthen the monitoring of prices for basic necessities and prime commodities through a digital reporting platform.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed on February 4, 2026, adopts the DTI-developed e-Presyo system, a web-based tool designed to modernize the collection and analysis of price data in public markets and commercial establishments.
Mayor Cindi King-Chan, who chairs the city’s Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), signed the agreement alongside DTI Cebu Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar. City Administrator Atty. Danilo Almendras served as witness to the signing.
Under the agreement, the LPCC will regularly submit updated price data on basic necessities and prime commodities through the e-Presyo system in compliance with Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act.
The digital platform allows authorities to track price movements in near real time, providing early indicators of unusual price increases or possible violations, particularly during emergencies or when price freezes are imposed.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening coordination between the local government and DTI in enforcing price regulations and responding to consumer complaints.
“Through this Memorandum of Agreement, our Local Price Coordinating Council will regularly provide accurate and up-to-date price data on basic necessities and prime commodities,” Mayor King-Chan said.
With price monitoring traditionally conducted manually, the e-Presyo system is expected to improve data accuracy and timeliness.
King-Chan noted that the availability of updated price information enables regulators to respond more quickly to price manipulation and unjustified hikes, especially during emergencies when demand for basic goods rises.
The DTI Cebu Provincial Office will provide technical assistance and access to the e-Presyo system, including orientation for designated city personnel.
The city government will assign staff to ensure proper encoding, verification, and timely submission of price data.
Officials also said the partnership aims to improve public access to price information, allowing consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on prevailing market prices.
The MOA will be effective for one year and will be reviewed annually to evaluate its impact on price monitoring, enforcement efforts, and overall price stability in Lapu-Lapu City.
