MLPCC Gears Up for 2026 Palarong Pambansa; Proposes Price Ceilings to Protect Visitors

As the municipality prepares to welcome thousands of athletes and guests for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the Municipal Local Price Coordinating Council (MLPCC) convened its 2nd Quarter Meeting on May 7, 2026, to ensure market stability and consumer protection throughout the prestigious sporting event.

The meeting, held at the Municipal Planning Conference Room, focused on strategic measures to prevent price surge and ensure that the influx of visitors does not lead to unfair trade practices.

The primary highlight of the session was the discussion of MLPCC Resolution No. 1, Series of 2026. This resolution recommends the imposition of a temporary price ceiling on basic necessities and prime commodities, extending to food, accommodation, and transportation services.

Council described the resolution as a proactive regulatory shield designed to protect athletes, officials and tourists from price gouging. By establishing these legal limits, the local government aims to stabilize the cost of living and travel, ensuring that Prosperidad remains an affordable and hospitable host despite the massive surge in seasonal demand.

To support this, specific offices were tasked with finalizing the price caps:

• The Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) has been assigned to determine the official tariffs for three-wheeled transport vehicles.

• The Tourism Office provided a comprehensive report on current accommodation status to ensure lodging remains within fair market rates.

• The Agriculture Office provides average prevailing price three months before the event.

• The DTI will provide the prevailing price of processed and manufactured foods.

To give the resolution enforceable the council scheduled the activation of MLPCC Monitoring Teams. Joint inspections will be conducted by representatives from the DTI, MHO, MAO, MENRO, Tourism, PNP, MEEO, and MTO.

The monitoring schedule is set for:

• May 24, 2026: Barangay Patin-ay
• May 26, 2026: Barangay Poblacion

The Municipal Economic Enterprise Office (MEEO) has been specifically directed to check for the visibility of price tags, ensuring that all establishments in public market remain transparent with their pricing.

In a move to empower consumers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented the format for a dedicated Hotline System. Each member of the Council will be assigned a role in maintaining this hotline, allowing residents and visitors to report overpricing or consumer rights violations in real-time.

The Council also finalized a streamlined Reporting System to ensure that any complaints filed during the games are addressed immediately by the relevant authorities.

As Prosperidad steps on the national stage for the Palarong Pambansa, the MLPCC’s measures send a clear message: the municipality is committed to a fair, organized, and athlete-centered celebration of Philippine sports.

DIO: JOHN LOUIE A. LUAR