Despite the price freeze in effect after the national disaster calamity declaration, the prices of fish and vegetables in the capital town’s public market increased sharply several days after super typhoon Uwan wrought great damage to Catanduanes.
A check of the data gathered by the Department of Agriculture’s Catanduanes Hilly Upland Development Station (CHUDS) showed that some lowland vegetables such as ampalaya and sitao more than doubled in price from the previous P140 per kilo on Nov. 7, 2025 and remained at P280 to P300 per kilo on Nov. 24.
Significant increases were also noted in other vegetables sold in the market: pechay, from P140 to P240 per kilo; squash, from P60 to P80 per kilo; eggplant, from 100 to P300 per kilo; and tomato from P140 to P200 per kilo.
Highland vegetables usually “imported” from the mainland Bicol and Baguio-Benguet area likewise cost more than twice as much compared to price levels prior to Uwan’s rampage.
Green and red bell pepper now costs P700 per kilo compared to the previous P300 while the price of Baguio beans also skyrocketed from the previous P140 to P300 per kilo.
Other “imported” vegetables showed considerable price hikes: carrots from P160 to P250 per kilo; white potato from P140 to P200 per kilo; and chayote, from P80 to P120 per kilo.
Similar price increases were noted in spices: red onion, from P160 to P400 per kilo; white onion, from P160 to P300 per kilo; and garlic, from P160 to P240.
The price of fish also jumped, with yellowfin tuna now costing P280 per kilo from the previous P200. the lowly dorado selling for as much as P300 per kilo, and “bukawon” sold at P350 per kilo.
This made the fish at the Virac market more expensive than pork, which was selling at P320 per kilo.
The situation was acknowledged by the Catanduanes Provincial Price Coordinating Council, chaired by Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza, when it convened on Nov. 24, 2025 to reaffirm its duties under Republic Act 7581 (The Price Act) in closely monitoring the price and supply of basic commodities across the province, especially in the aftermath of recent calamities.
During the meeting, the agencies represented emphasized that a 60-day price freeze remains in effect for key commodities identified by the DA including fish (bonito, tulingan, tilapia, yellowfin tuna), pork, chicken, sugar, red onion, garlic, rice, chicken egg, and cooking oil.
However, the council noted a significant increase in the prices of green leafy vegetables based on monitoring by the Provincial Agriculture Support Office. The elevated prices was attributed to crop damage and supply chain interruptions caused by the calamity which directly affected households who already have limited purchasing power.
The PPCC underscored the need for continuous monitoring and timely intervention to prevent additional burdens on the community and ensure that essential goods remain accessible and affordable to Catandunganons recovering from recent typhoon.
To protect consumers, member-agencies such as DTI, DA, PASO and DA-BFAR committed to conducting weekly inspections of markets province-wide.
DTI Catanduanes said it is monitoring the prices of essential items covered by the price freeze such as canned sardines, processed milk and coffee, bread and instant noodles, laundry soap and detergent, salt and bottled water, and candles which are critical during an emergency.
These regular checks aim to deter overpricing, ensure compliance with mandated price ceilings, and maintain consistent availability of basic necessities and prime commodities.
The PNP also pledged full support in enforcing price regulations, reiterating that in cases where vendors refuse to comply with mandated pricing, law enforcers are prepared to intervene immediately to protect consumers and uphold the law.