In a recent joint market inspection at Guadalupe Public Market in Makati City, Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that there will be no additional price increases for Noche Buena items and agricultural products until the end of the year. This assurance comes as the holiday season approaches, aiming to keep prices stable for consumers during Christmas celebrations.
The inspection, which also covered two grocery stores in the area, was part of intensified efforts by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to monitor and control the prices of essential holiday items such as ham, cheese, queso de bola, mayonnaise, and various agricultural commodities like rice, meat, fish, and vegetables.
Secretary Roque emphasized that agreements have been made with manufacturers and brand owners to maintain current prices. She noted that over half of the Noche Buena items have not seen price increases, and any hikes have been limited to less than 5 percent. The DTI’s 2024 Noche Buena price guide reflects that most products have either maintained or reduced prices compared to the previous year.
Despite some price adjustments, Roque encouraged consumers to look for ‘sulit packs’ to maximize savings, especially since certain items like fruit cocktails and sauces have seen minor price increases ranging from PHP1 to PHP18. She acknowledged the challenges posed by rising production costs and a stronger dollar but stressed the commitment to keeping price hikes minimal.
On the agricultural front, Secretary Tiu Laurel reported that price adjustments for commodities like pork, chicken, and fish are within expected ranges for the holiday season. The increase in pork prices, for instance, is attributed to heightened holiday demand and the ongoing impact of African swine fever. Chicken prices have risen by about 10 percent, which is considered normal for the Christmas period. Fish prices are also expected to rise slightly due to the closed fishing season, which will continue until the end of January next year.
Consumers like Sabrina Cortez, a single mother, are taking advantage of bundled offers to stretch their holiday budgets. Cortez shared that buying Noche Buena items in bundles helps her save money, which she can then use to purchase additional ingredients for her celebrations.
The DTI and DA’s efforts to monitor and stabilize prices reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that Filipinos can enjoy their holiday festivities without the burden of unexpected price surges.