ANTIQUE – No overpricing of noche buena items has been monitored in Antique, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Last week, DTI-Antique’s personnel monitored basic and prime commodities, including noche buena items, and distributed the 2023 noche buena price guide to retailer stores.
Among the goods that were checked for their prices were ham, keso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce.
Mutya Eusores, officer-in-charge Provincial Director of DTI-Antique, said they will have regular monitoring in the coming days leading up to the holiday season.
Among 12 items, three had the highest price increase, which ranged from P1.50 to P40 for cheese, P12.10 to P33 for keso de bola, and P1.50 to P28 for sandwich spread.
This is attributed to increased prices of raw materials, packaging materials, labor power, and distribution costs.
Eusores advised Antiqueño not to hesitate to approach their office to report overpricing.
Under DTI’s guide, here are the prices of 12 noche buena products:
* Spaghetti – P25.50 for 200 grams to P105 for 1 kilo
* Spaghetti Sauce – P33 for 250 grams to P103 for 1 kilo
* Elbow Macaroni – P23 for 200 grams to P124 for 1 kilo
* Mayonnaise – P24 for 80 ml sachet to P183 for 700 ml
* Cheese – P56 to P420
* Keso de Bola – P321 to P435
In an interview of Panay News to DTI- Regional Office 6 Information Officer Judy Mae Sajo last week, the DTI monitored 222 stock-keeping units (SKUs) last year.
In 2023, the number increased to 240 SKUs, of which 152 have experienced a price increase.
“This year, consumers have more options as the number of SKUs has increased to 240. Out of these, 152 items have seen a price rise,” Sajo said.
However, the most significant price increase is observed in cheese, ranging from P1.50 to P49, depending on the brand.
The DTI-6 has directed its provincial offices to closely monitor the prices of these 240 SKUs.
They are confident that establishments and retail stores will comply with the price guide, which was determined during a meeting with the DTI on Nov. 7 and 8.
Reminders to Consumers
When purchasing noche buena products, DTI offers these tips:
* Use the price guide when shopping. List the items you need and check the prices of your preferred brands based on the guide.
* Compare items for quality before making a purchase.
* Check the label for expiration dates and ensure that there is a price tag.
“Consumers must also check for the quality of the products and buy from trusted stores to avoid fake or expired items. Take advantage of promos or product bundles offered by malls to save,” Sajo said.
A copy of the noche buena price guide is available on the DTI Region VI Facebook Page or their website: https://www.dti.gov.ph/./PN
