CAPIZ — Capiz recorded the lowest inflation rate among the provinces in Western Visayas in May 2026, according to the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The province posted an inflation rate of 4.3 percent, significantly lower than the regional inflation rate of 6.8 percent, which increased from 6.6 percent in April.
Inflation measures the rate at which the prices of goods and services increase over time, affecting consumers’ purchasing power and cost of living.
The PSA attributed the higher regional inflation rate primarily to rising prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, along with increased costs for restaurants and accommodation services, as well as household furnishings and routine maintenance.
Food inflation in Western Visayas also accelerated to 5.7 percent in May from 4.8 percent in April, driven mainly by higher prices of cereals and cereal products, particularly rice.
Among the provinces in the region, Antique recorded the highest inflation rate at 9.3 percent, while Iloilo Province registered 7.2 percent, down slightly from 7.4 percent in April. Iloilo City maintained an inflation rate of 6.0 percent.
Despite the continued rise in prices across the region, Capiz remained the least affected by inflation, indicating relatively slower increases in the cost of goods and services compared with neighboring provinces.
The PSA said persistent inflationary pressures continue to affect household spending, particularly among low-income families, as higher food prices place additional strain on household budgets./PN
