THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI will assist buyers in processing complaints over the supply of face masks as the Davao Region reported a rise in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases.
Rachel S. Remitio, DTI XI acting assistant regional director, said they have been aware of reports of several people hoarding face masks and the proliferation of resellers on the streets.
“Part of our efforts to check on the presence on social media of these sellers. We are also monitoring if these sellers are legitimate and if not, also informing the public to patronize the legitimate sellers,” Remitio said during Business Matters at Hukad at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
The hoarding of face masks in several wholesale markets in the city was observed on Wednesday, following the order by the provincial government of Davao del Sur, placing the whole province under mandatory wearing of face masks.
Davao City has yet to require the wearing of face masks, but it has monitored four new Mpox patients, who are now recovering in the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
“For masks, we provide supply in terms of monitoring on the supply of these items,” Remitio said during Business Matters at Hukad at Ayala Malls Abreeza.
Asked if the price falls in the agency, she said it is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, specifically the Food and Drug Administration.
At present, DTI has yet to receive orders from DOH or FDA to intervene with the supply.
“We can receive complaints, but we will endorse them to the right agency if it is outside our jurisdiction,” Remitio said.
Remitio stressed that these resellers have to be registered before the DTI XI can intervene. “We have to get the support and interventions of the Philippine National Police to provide sanctions to these erring vendors,” she said.
