Manila, Nov. 6 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday highlighted the government's continued efforts to tame inflation in the Philippines.

Tiu Laurel made the statement after the country's headline inflation settled at 1.7 percent in October, maintaining its September level and lower than the 2.3 percent recorded in the same month last year.

In a statement, he said the government is closely monitoring the supply and price movements of key commodities in local markets, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure food security and affordability for Filipino consumers.

"President Marcos' instructions are clear-keep food affordable and supply stable," Tiu Laurel said.

In particular, food infla...