A subtle shift is occurring in Philippine markets, impacting household budgets across the nation. Recent data reveals a complex picture of food prices, with some staples becoming more affordable while others are steadily climbing.
Rice, a cornerstone of the Filipino diet, experienced a notable price decrease in mid-January compared to the previous year. The national average for regular milled rice fell by nearly 10%, reaching P43.52 per kilo – a welcome relief for many families.
However, this decrease isn’t uniform across the archipelago. While the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao still recorded the highest price at P50.06 per kilo, even there prices dipped slightly year-on-year. Conversely, Cagayan Valley offered the most affordable rice, averaging just P36.70 per kilo.
The story isn’t entirely positive. Meat prices are trending upwards, with bone-in fresh pork increasing by 1.5% to P314.04 per kilo. Though slightly lower than early January, the cost remains a concern for consumers.
Dressed chicken also saw a modest price increase, rising 1% to P213.35 per kilo. This follows a similar pattern to pork, showing a slight dip from the beginning of the month but an overall increase compared to last year.
Perhaps the most significant increase was observed in the price of *galunggong* (round scad), a popular and affordable fish. Prices surged by over 11% year-on-year, reaching P251.35 per kilo. This jump highlights the vulnerability of staple seafood to market fluctuations.
These price movements, observed between January 15th and 17th, paint a nuanced picture of the Philippine food landscape. While rice offers a glimmer of affordability, rising costs for meat and fish demand continued attention and careful budgeting for Filipino households.
