DAGUPAN CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan has confirmed that prices of most school supplies in the province have increased by 30 percent based on suggested retail price (SRP) released this May.
In an interview Thursday, DTI Provincial Director Engr. Peter Mangabat said the notebooks, priced PHP11 last year, are now being sold at PHP15, although prices vary according to brand name.
He attributed higher prices to several factors.
“The Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law is one of the reasons as there is an additional excise tax in raw materials, so it is given that the prices of finished products will increase. The high price of crude oil is also another factor,” he added.
Mangabat noted the adjustment maybe also partly due to rising demand.
“As long as it does not exceed the SRP that DTI has set, then everything is good,” he said.
In response to the increased school supply prices and in preparation for the opening of classes this June, the DTI will again conduct its Diskwento Caravan in Anda Town on May 25.
“School supplies and other goods will be sold on relatively low prices,” added Mangabat.
He also encouraged consumers to report establishments selling overpriced school items, which do not conform to their SRP.
“It would be wise if consumers would visit dti.gov.ph to check the suggested retail price of school supplies,” Mangabat said. (PNA)
