Due to a "rabies outbreak," the DTI imposes a 60-day price freeze in Ilocos Norte.

A rabies epidemic in the province of Ilocos Norte prompted the Department of Trade and Industry in the Ilocos Region to implement a 60-day price freeze on necessities.

The DTI lists sardines in cans, milk items, instant noodles, salt, bottled, distilled, mineralized, and filtered water, instant coffee, detergent soap, bread, and candles as basic commodities.

The DTI released a statement that stated "prices of all basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for the duration of the State of Local Health Emergency but not longer than 60 days."

According to information from the provincial veterinary office, rabies cases in Ilocos Norte have increased recently, with the virus being found in at least 53 barangays.

No need to worry, according to DOH regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco, as the incidents thus far documented in the area were "isolated cases."

“We still have to validate the increased reports of cases in some of the provinces to verify if there is a need to declare a health emergency or outbreak,” said Sydiongco.