ILOILO City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has advised consumers in Western Visayas to avoid the holiday rush by purchasing noche buena products early.
As Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, Judy Sajo, DTI Region 6 information officer, emphasized the importance of planning purchases to avoid panic buying.
“We encourage everyone not to wait until the last minute. Buy early to avoid the holiday rush,” Sajo told Panay News.
Sufficient Supply and Price Monitoring
Based on DTI’s monitoring of over 200 stores in the region, there is sufficient supply of noche buena products across supermarkets, grocery stores, and other retailers. Monitoring began after the release of the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide on November 11.
“So far, the supply in our retail markets is sufficient,” said Sajo.
DTI conducts weekly monitoring in highly urbanized cities and monthly checks in provinces, ensuring compliance with pricing guidelines.
This year’s price guide covers 236 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) from 22 manufacturers across 12 categories, including ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, and spaghetti sauce. Among these, 101 SKUs have increased in price, 13 have decreased, and 121 have remained unchanged.
Notable price increases were observed in ham, fruit cocktail, and cheese due to higher costs of raw materials, local fruits, packaging, and operations.
Tips for Smart Shopping
The DTI provided tips to help consumers save on noche buena purchases:
1. Use the Price Guide – Check the DTI Noche Buena Price Guide to compare prices and plan purchases within your budget.
2. Consider Alternative Brands – If your preferred brand is beyond budget, explore cheaper alternatives.
3. Take Advantage of Bundles – Look for promotional bundles or discounted packs offered by supermarkets.
4. Check Expiry Dates – Ensure products are not expired by examining labels, price tags, and other product information.
Price Stability and Compliance
DTI reported that all stores monitored are compliant with the price guide. Manufacturers have committed to maintaining prices until the end of 2024. If violations are found, retailers may face administrative fines and penalties, according to Sajo.
Key price ranges from the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide include:
1. Ham — P170 to P928.50
2. Queso de Bola — P210 to P445
3. Fruit Cocktail — P61.76 to P302.50
4. Cheese – P56.50 to P310
5. Spaghetti Sauce — P28.50 to P103
Consumer Empowerment
DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted that the Noche Buena Price Guide aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold consumer rights.
“The guide empowers Filipino families to make informed choices,” she said.
Roque also assured consumers that the prices listed will remain effective until December 31, ensuring affordability for holiday celebrations.
The DTI urges the public to take advantage of price stability, noting that many essential items, including certain brands of ham and spaghetti sauce, have retained their 2023 prices. Select products have even decreased in price, offering additional savings.
For more information, consumers can access the Noche Buena Price Guide online or at DTI offices./PN
