DTI, DA Assure Stable Prices for Noche Buena and Agricultural Items

DAVAO CITY — Prices of Noche Buena and agricultural items are expected to remain stable as the Christmas season approaches, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Thursday.

Following a joint inspection of markets and grocery stores in Makati City, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque assured that no further price hikes for Noche Buena items are anticipated. “There’s no price increase until the end of the year. This was agreed upon with manufacturers and brand owners,” she said.

More than 50% of Noche Buena items have retained their 2023 prices, while price hikes for some items, such as fruit cocktails, salad macaroni, and spaghetti sauce, are limited to less than PHP18 or 5%. Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of bundle deals for better savings.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said agricultural prices remain within the expected range for the holidays. Pork kasim is priced at PHP300 to PHP370 per kilogram, while pork liempo ranges from PHP340 to PHP410 per kilogram. The increases are attributed to high holiday demand and the impact of African swine fever.

Chicken prices rose by PHP20 per kilogram, with whole chicken priced between PHP180 and PHP230 per kilogram. Fish prices also saw minor increases due to the closed fishing season, with milkfish priced at PHP135 to PHP250 per kilogram and tilapia at PHP140 to PHP170 per kilogram.

The DTI and DA continue to monitor prices to ensure compliance and protect consumers during the holiday season.