ILOILO – The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6 (DTI-6) has released its 2025–2026 “Balik Eskwela: Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies” guide, outlining suggested retail prices (SRPs) for eight essential school items as the new academic year begins this June.
The initiative aims to help consumers make informed choices by providing updated price guides for basic school supplies such as notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.
According to DTI-6 director Rachel N. Nufable, a total of 195 stock-keeping units (SKUs) were submitted by nine manufacturers or distributors and one retailer for this year – representing an increase of 22 SKUs compared to the 173 last year.
Of the 147 SKUs retained from the previous year, 101 (52%) have maintained their prices, 29 SKUs (15%) saw a price decrease, and 17 SKUs (9%) had a price increase. The remaining 48 SKUs (25%) are newly added this year, bringing the total to 195 SKUs.
Price decreases by category:
* Notebook: Decreased by 25%–29% (P5.00–P10.00)
* Grade pad paper: Decreased by 8%–26% (P2.00–P5.33)
* Intermediate pad: Decreased by 3%–19% (P1.00–P6.00)
* Pencil: Decrease by 25% (P5.00)
Price increases by category:
* Notebook: Increased by 3%–60% (P1.00–P8.30)
* Grade pad paper: Increased by 89% (P8.50)
* Intermediate pad paper: Increased by 136% (P20.20)
* Pencil: Increased by 7% (P1.50)
* Crayons (8 pcs): Increased by 7% (P1.25)
* Crayons (24 pcs): Increased by 5% (P2.00)
* Ruler: Increased by 10% (P3.00)
2025 Suggested Retail Price Range for School Supplies:
Notebooks (80 leaves, 148mm x 200mm):
* Writing: P15.00–P52.00
* Composition: P18.00–P52.00
* Spiral: P20.00–P49.00
* Yarn-bound: P16.50–P42.00
Pad Paper:
* Grade 1–4 (80 leaves, 210mm x 143mm): P15.00–P37.60
* Intermediate (80 leaves, 200mm x 250mm): P26.00–P48.75
Pencil:
* Per piece: P11.00–P17.00
* Per pack: P15.00–P33.00
Ballpen:
* Per piece: P3.00–P21.00
* Per pack: P16.00–P33.00
Crayons: P12.00–P114.00 per box (depending on number of colors)
Eraser: P4.50–P20.00 per piece
Sharpener: P19.00–P69.00
Ruler: P16.00–P39.00 per piece
“We understand the financial pressures faced by families, which is why the DTI will be closely monitoring the prices of school supplies in the coming weeks to safeguard consumer welfare,” said Nufable.
“As we approach the start of the new school year on June 16, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry remains committed to ensuring that parents and students have access to affordable and quality school supplies,” she added during a press conference.
DTI-6 is urging the public to use the price guide as a reference when shopping for school supplies.
“By being informed consumers, we can all contribute to a smooth and affordable back-to-school season,” Nufable emphasized./PN
