NO PRICE INCREASE IN BASIC NECESSITIES UNTIL YEAREND – DTI

THERE will be no price hike on basic necessities through the end of 2024 while prices of most Noche Buena package items will remain the same as last year, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque assured on Thursday.

“First and foremost, for the prices for basic necessities, no price increase until the end of the year,” Roque told a briefing in Malacañang.

“And then for the Noche Buena, more than 50 percent, the price will remain the same as last year. And ‘yung mga iba, they just increased but less than five percent,” she added.

Roque, however, clarified the minor price increases on certain commodities are already being implemented and represent the first adjustments since last year.

She explained these increases are necessary to account for rising costs, particularly for imported goods. However, the adjustments were kept minimal to ensure they would not overly burden consumers.

“Actually, there was no price increase since last year. So, of course, prices — some are imported products have already increased. So, they decided to request if they could increase,” Roque said.

“So that at least, kahit papaano, our consumers will have, of course, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And not too much of increase also,” she added.

Despite these adjustments, Roque noted consumer demand remains robust, reflecting the importance of the Christmas season to Filipinos.

Updated prices of Noche Buena package items can be found on DTI’s social media platforms and in newspapers for public reference.