ILOILO City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging consumers to compare prices and select noche buena products that fit their budget. This advice comes following the release of the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide, aimed at providing a wide array of options for the upcoming holiday season.
The guide features prices for 236 stock-keeping units (SKUs) from 22 manufacturers across 12 categories, including ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta, elbow and salad macaroni, and various sauces.
Under the 2024 guide, ham prices range from P170 to P928.50, queso de bola from P210 to P445, and fruit cocktail from P61.76 to P302.50.
Other staples include cheese (P56.50 to P310), mayonnaise (P20.40 to P245.85), all-purpose cream (P36.50 to P72), and sandwich spread (P27 to P263.60). Pasta, tomato sauce, and macaroni are also included, with prices ranging from P16.50 to P126.25 depending on the item and brand.
DTI’s Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold consumer rights.
“By publishing this price guide, the DTI urges consumers to compare prices and select products that best fit their budget and preferences for the holiday season,” said Roque.
The department assured consumers that the prices listed in the guide are effective until December 31, 2024, ensuring affordable options for both noche buena and media noche.
Notably, prices for 121 SKUs, including popular holiday items like ham, fruit cocktail, and spaghetti sauce, remain at 2023 levels, with 13 SKUs experiencing price reductions.
To assist consumers, the guide includes symbols for easy identification: a star for unchanged prices and a Christmas tree for items with reduced prices.
Consumers are advised to check expiration dates, verify labels, and consider bulk purchases for added savings.
The DTI also reminded shoppers to stay vigilant against overpricing and to report violations through the 1-DTI hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph.
For more details, the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide is available on the DTI website and social media channels./PN
