‘Diskwento Caravans’ launched in earthquake-hit Bohol

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched a campaign to sell discounted goods in several towns in Bohol worst hit by the magnitude 7.2-earthquake on October 15.

The campaign, dubbed Diskwento Caravans (Discount Caravans), kicked off in the previously isolated town of Loon, where the fuel price reportedly increased to P100 per liter and where potable water is scarce.

The Diskwento Caravans seek to promote the welfare of marginalized consumers, particularly the earthquake victims, DTI-Central Visayas Regional Director Asteria Caberte said.

Sold at discounted prices, basic commodities including bottled water, coffee, milk, noodles, rice, biscuits, eggs, bread, dressed chicken, bath soaps, shampoos, and cleansing agents will be made accessible to victims of the earthquake. 

The next round of Diskwento Caravans will be conducted in the following towns:

• Antequera (October 27)
• Maribojoc (October 29) 
• Tubigon (October 31)

Food first

The DTI partnered with the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) of Bohol, local government units, the National Food Authority (NFA), and other local manufacturers and suppliers to roll out the campaign.

According to Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, the devastated province has just entered the early recovery stage this week.

“That is taking care of food first, and of course making sure that every village, barangay, island, especially in the mountain sides where they have difficulty in accessing the services of government or even the stores and the shops, and food supply may be difficult,” Chatto told Rappler. – With reports from Voltaire Tupaz/Rappler.com