TO HELP ADDRESS overpricing of basic commodities in quake-hit areas, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) initially opened in Makilala town Wednesday its chain of outlets selling food and basic household items.
MinDA chair Emmanuel Piñol said the first MinDA outlet will be opened at 9 a.m. in Makilala, particularly in front of the Notre Dame School along the Cotabato-Davao national highway.
The “Minda Tiendas” are financed by private groups selling basic goods and food at reasonable prices or prices before the calamity that hit North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.
Piñol said the MinDA Tienda Program was a suggestion presented during the planning meeting called by the MinDA on Monday.
Lenard Legarda, Makilala town planning officer, admitted that prices of common household items, including food, have dramatically increased following the earthquakes.
“In today’s launching, fish from General Santos City, canned sardines from Zamboanga, vegetables from Bukidnon, pork from nearby towns and rice direct from the farmers will be sold at farm gate prices,” Piñol said, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police would be engaged to ensure the smooth operation of the outlets.
After Makilala, other outlets will be opened in Tulunan and Magpet in North Cotabato and Bansalan, Matanao, Magsaysay, and parts of Digos City recently hit by the quakes.(By Edwin Fernandez)
