No problem with supply, price of flour in Aklan - DTI

2008/08/08

No problem with supply, price of flour in Aklan - DTI

by Venus G. Villanueva

Kalibo, Aklan (8 August) -- There's no problem with the supply and price of flour in Aklan, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here.

DTI-Aklan's new Provincial Director, Engr. Diosdado P. Cadena Jr. said there are stable suppliers of flour for the region, and bakers in Aklan are assured of a steady supply for their needs.

Director Cadena stressed, however, that should there be complaints in Aklan on overpricing, the DTI will not hesitate to act against violators, just like what they did to some erring business establishments here after Typhoon Frank hit Aklan.

In Manila, DTI Secretary Peter Favila has called on local millers to explain why the price of flour, is increasing when the price in the world market has been going down since April.

DTI's monitoring report shows the price of hard flour has been stable since May, ranging from P870 to P980 per 25 kg. bag.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the immediate procurement of the equipment needed for the mass productionof flour made from vegetables.

The President issued the directive to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), according to Press Secretary Jesus Dureza.

Dureza said the mass production of flour made from vegetables would cut down significantly the country's importation of the costly wheat flour.

Aside from the mass production of vegetable flour, the President also launched recently the mass production of more nutritious vegetables noodles from the Benguet State University to help cushion the impact of soaring food prices on poor families.

The mass production of vegetable flour and vegetable noodles will definitely boost the farmers' income, provide an alternative market for local vegetables and lower prices due to lesser dependence on imported and costly wheat flour, the DTI said. (PIA)

Cabatuan.com - Kasimanwa.com - Diosdado Cadena Jr.