By Genesis Gabriel P. Baculbas / PTV – DMIS Intern
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured that the prices and availability of essential items like notebooks, pad papers, pencils, ballpens, and crayons remain stable ahead of the opening of classes in public schools on June 16.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, who chairs the National Price Coordinating Council, affirmed this during price monitoring activity at Baclaran Market in Parañaque City on June 8, accompanied by Fair Trade Group (FTG) ASec. Agaton Teodoro Uvero, Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau Dir. Regino Mallari Jr. and a representative from the Parañaque Consumer Welfare Office.
Roque underscored that “Every Filipino child deserves the chance to learn without their parents worrying about whether they can afford the basics,” adding that under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., “Bagong Pilipinas means school supplies within reach, a fairer start for every child, and greater peace of mind for parents.”
On May 30, DTI launched its “Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies”—a price guide highlighting reductions for various school supplies. Through its FTG, the DTI aims to offer more affordable options for consumers as the school year approaches.
“As we continue to pursue President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, the DTI is committed to ensuring that Filipino families have access to reasonably priced school supplies,” the trade chief added.
This year’s price guide offers more choices for notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpens, crayons, and other writing supplies to help parents and students in finding products that meet their needs and fit their budgets.
The price guide includes 195 stock-keeping units (SKUs) across 12 product categories. In particular, 29 items have experienced price reductions compared to the previous year, with decreases ranging from P1 to P10.
Additionally, the guide introduces 48 new items (25% of the total), giving consumers more choices with newer brands and variants.
Notebook: P15 – P52
Pad Paper: P15 – P48.75
Pencil: P11 – P24
Pens: P3 – P33
Crayons in various box sizes: P12 – P114
Sharpeners: P15 – P69
Rulers: P16 – P39
Erasers in various sizes: P4.50 – P20
“We know how challenging it can be for parents to prepare their children for school, so this price guide is our way of easing that burden—making sure students can return to the classroom equipped, confident, and ready to learn without putting too much strain on the family budget,” Roque stated.
The DTI also emphasized the importance of vigilance among consumers when purchasing school supplies, urging them to closely examine product labels, particularly the specifications for items like notebooks and pad papers, including the total number of sheets contained within.
Consumers are also advised to exercise caution when encountering school supplies that lack proper labeling, especially those that do not display the manufacturer’s or importer’s name and address.
—bjlc / av
