Prices of school supplies remain stable

MANILA, Philippines - Prices of notebooks went down by P2 to P3 while prices of other school supplies remained the same as last year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported.

“Most of the prices have been kept at last year’s level with some brands, especially in notebooks, even going down by as much as P2 to P3,” DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Cuison Maglaya said.

Maglaya had a meeting with representatives from paper and school supplies manufacturing firms where they discussed the current price rates.

Industry representatives said the reason for the stable price of school supplies, especially in paper products, is the decline in the cost of raw materials in the world market.

Aside from stable prices, manufacturers have also assured that there is enough supply of school supplies, most of which are already in retail outlets.

To ensure that prices would remain stable, Maglaya said the DTI is going to make price checks and monitor to make sure that the suggested retail price (SRP) submitted by the manufacturers are reflected at the retail level.

At the same time, Maglaya urged retailers of school supplies to do “discount sales” and other promo activities, such as giving freebies to encourage consumers to shop early.

“Rather than get stuck with inventories at the end of the buying season, they have to come up with something so the consumers will be prompted to start buying,” she added.

Maglaya also reminded consumers to buy wisely to get the best value for their money, She urged the public to avail of the “buy five, take one” promos, or compare prices from other outlets.

“With so many brands to choose from with varying range of prices, the consumers can exercise their right to choose and buy what suits their budget best,” Maglaya advised.

She further urged buyers to check labels and instructions for use. 

“For crayons and erasers, buy only products labeled ‘NON-TOXIC’, and with proper certification from the Bureau of Food and Drugs,” Maglaya said.