By Joanna Aglibot | August 25, 2026

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — A 60-day price freeze on basic necessities took effect in Zambales following the declaration of a province-wide state of calamity due to the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zambales announced that the price freeze took effect on Aug. 18 and will remain in effect until Oct. 17, unless lifted earlier.

The measure was imposed pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2026-395, which declared the state of calamity across the province.

The Sangguniang passed the resolution on Aug. 19 upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

This was after the province sustained more than P510.87 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure from the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones that visited the province.

Under the price freeze, retailers are prohibited from selling basic necessities above their prevailing prices set by the DTI.

The DTI warned that retailers found selling basic necessities above the prescribed prevailing prices may face administrative penalties under the Price Act. ▲