DTI-Davao Ready to Combat Hoarding, Overpricing Amid Mpox

THE Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao) has assured the public that it is prepared to address consumer concerns, particularly related to the hoarding and overpricing of medical supplies such as face masks and alcohol, as the region logs few cases of Mpox recently.

DTI-Davao Acting Assistant Regional Director Rachel Remitio said during the Business Forum Matters on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Hukad, Abreeza Mall that the agency continues to perform its monitoring duties as part of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, highlighting its crucial role in regulating and supporting businesses, especially retailers and registered establishments.

Remitio emphasized that while the DTI can act on consumer complaints within its jurisdiction, it will promptly endorse concerns to the appropriate agencies when necessary. For instance, pricing issues related to medical equipment may be referred to the Philippine National Police (PNP), while concerns about product quality fall under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH).

“We will handle the concerns of the consumers, but if it is outside our jurisdiction, we will automatically endorse it to the right agency,” she said. 

She also reminded sellers to avoid taking advantage of the situation by overpricing essential goods, urging businesses to act responsibly and fairly.

The public’s concern arose after videos and photos of panic buying if face masks circulated online. As of this writing, DTI-Davao has not received any formal complaints but expressed readiness to coordinate with consumers and other agencies to prevent any irregularities. 

The DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) continues to monitor the sale of goods and services to ensure businesses comply with existing rules and regulations, particularly those related to safety and quality.

Meanwhile, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City is currently treating three confirmed Mpox patients. 

According to Dr. Ricardo Audan, the hospital’s medical center chief, seven suspected cases were admitted, of which three have tested positive based on results from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). 

Additional samples are being collected from the remaining suspected patients for further testing.

Audan clarified that Mpox is considered a mild viral infection and does not spread as rapidly as Covid-19. 

SPMC has designated 20 isolation beds specifically for Mpox patients. 

Davao City has reported six confirmed Mpox cases in the past two months as of May 30, 2025.

In Davao de Oro, the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) has confirmed three Mpox cases as of May 28. Health authorities reported that two patients have fully recovered, while one remains under close observation. 

Currently, authorities from the medical and government sectors are urging the public to remain calm, avoid panic buying, and report any abusive business practices to the proper agencies. DEF