(File photo)
MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the prices of most school supplies remain stable, with 80 items out of the 117 stock keeping units (SKUs) maintaining their costs.
Twenty-eight SKUs increased their prices, while nine items had a price cut.
There were 56 more SKUs submitted this year, increasing the total SKUs to 176 this 2024.
The DTI issued on Wednesday the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies, a price guide for school items, ahead of the start of the academic year on July 29.
Based on the DTI’s monitoring, notebook prices range from PHP11.80 to PHP52; Grades 1-4 pad paper prices vary from PHP9.50 to PHP61; and intermediate pad paper from PHP13.80 to PHP48.75.
Prices of pencils ranged from PHP11 to PHP33, while ballpoint pens’ prices range from PHP11 to PHP33.
Crayons’ prices, depending on the brand and size, vary from PHP12 to PHP65 per box of eight colors; PHP32 per box of 12 colors; PHP24 to PHP83 for 16-color pack; and from PHP34 to PHP114 for 24-color pack crayons.
Prices of sharpeners range from PHP15 to PHP69 and rulers from PHP16 to PHP29.
Erasers, depending on sizes, range from PHP4.50 to PHP20.
“I urge consumers to buy school supplies from companies that comply with labeling requirements and use the Gabay in shopping. The Gabay indicates which SKUs have not increased or have retained their prices,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said.
The DTI also urged to report consumer-related concerns through ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or 1-DTI hotline (1-384). (PNA)
