By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Department of Trade and Industry Western Visayas (DTI-6) advised parents and guardians to plan their school supply purchases ahead of the upcoming school opening.
Grace Benedicto, Consumer Protection Division chief of DTI-6, said canvassing in the market will help parents choose good-quality school items at suitable prices.
“Our parents have their annual budget for school supplies. If you go to the market first and canvass, you can check which items are the cheapest but still have quality,” Benedicto said in a press conference on Monday, July 15.
DTI-6 recently released its Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies, a price guide for consumers in purchasing school items as the new school year begins on July 29.
According to DTI-6 director Rachel Nufable, their nationwide data shows that 68 percent of listed items in the price guide maintained their prices, while 24 percent saw price increases and 8 percent saw reductions.
Nufable further explained that the increase in prices was attributed to increased costs of raw materials, quality enhancements, and rising production expenses.
With the rising cost of other basic goods and services, Benedicto urged parents and students to practice sustainable consumerism by recycling old and unused notebooks and pencils.
Nufable also advised procuring supplies as soon as the budget allows, rather than waiting for last-minute rush purchases.
“It’s advisable to plan ahead if there are available funds so you can choose freely […] Although we recommend buying early to identify any shortages, it still depends on the resources available to the parents,” Nufable said.
When buying during peak times, Nufable advised parents to be vigilant and ensure that purchased items adhere to DTI-set price guidelines.
“The annual guide is crucial for consumers as they prepare for the new academic year. It provides valuable information on various school supplies, helping parents and students make informed purchasing decisions,” she emphasized.
The guide, prepared by DTI’s Consumer Affairs and Advocacy Bureau, covers essential items such as notebooks, pad papers, and other classroom necessities.
Nufable said DTI-6 will conduct weekly price monitoring in key cities in Western Visayas, and monthly checks in other areas before classes begin to ensure fair pricing.
