ILOILO City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is continuously monitoring the prices of school supplies in Western Visayas to ensure they are within its price guide’s range.
“Our office conducts weekly price monitoring in key cities, and monthly checks in other areas before classes begin to ensure fair pricing,” said Regional Director Rachel Nufable.
DTI Region 6 is also urging consumers to use the “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies” when purchasing school supplies for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The new school year is set to commence on July 29.
Nufable said the annual price guide “provides valuable information on various school supplies, helping parents and students make informed purchasing decisions.”
DTI-6’s monitoring has so far found that business establishments are compliant with the school supplies guide.
Nufable encourages consumers to seek the posted guide inside malls or inquire at retail stores before making purchases.
Developed by DTI’s Consumer Affairs and Advocacy Bureau (CAAB), the guide details essential items such as notebooks, pad papers, and other classroom necessities.
This year’s guide lists 173 stock-keeping units (SKUs), marking a significant increase from the 117 SKUs featured last year.
Analysis of nationwide data indicates that 68 percent of previously listed items have maintained their prices, while eight percent have decreased.
However, 24 percent of the items have seen price increases.
The guide shows that notebook prices range from P11.80 to P52.
Prices for Grades 1 to 4 pad paper vary from P9.50 to P61, while intermediate pad paper ranges from P13.80 to P48.75.
Prices for writing materials, such as pencils and ballpoint pens, are listed from P11 to P33 and P3 to P33, respectively.
Crayons are priced from P12 for an eight-color box (regular) to P65 (jumbo). A 12-color pack is listed at P32, a 16-color pack ranges from P24 to P83, and a 24-color pack is priced from P34 to P114.
Sharpeners and rulers are available for P15 to P69 and P16 to P29, respectively.
Prices of erasers in small, medium, and large sizes remain unchanged from last year, ranging from P4.50 to P20.
Manufacturers have attributed price hikes to the high cost of raw materials, quality improvements, and increased production expenses.
The “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies” is accessible through the DTI website and at local DTI offices throughout Western Visayas.
Distribution of the school supplies guide to business establishments commenced on July 5./PN
