DTI suggests retail prices for school supplies

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued suggested retail prices (SRP) for school supplies ahead of the opening of classes next month.

The prices of notebooks and pad paper were down by 25 centavos to P2 this year compared to last year, DTI undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said in a text message yesterday.

DTI’s price guide published yesterday showed the SRP for 80-leaf composition, writing and spiral notebooks is between P10 to P15; grades 1 to 4 pad paper ranges from P9 to P41.75; and intermediate pad paper is from P14 to P29.75.

Maglaya said prices of pencils and crayons went up by P1 from last year “due to higher raw material cost.”

The SRP for regular size pencils is from P9.50 to P19.75, while the prescribed price for crayons ranges from P11 to P117.75.

The price of ballpens is unchanged from last year with the SRP at P5 to P17.75.

The DTI will monitor whether the SRPs are reflected in school supplies being sold in the market. Maglaya also said retailers have committed not to raise prices until the end of June.

“Anyone found selling above SRP will get a show cause letter to explain why they can’t sell within SRP levels,” she added. “If found to have no justifiable reason, (they) may be charged for overpricing with fine up to maximum of P150,000.”

Consumers are also advised to compare the quality of the products by checking the label of school supplies before purchase.

The DTI said labels of school supplies should have the brand name as well as the name and address of the manufacturer.

Labels for pencils should indicate the hardness symbol, while labels of ballpens should identify the tip classification.

For complaints or other concerns, consumers may visit the nearest DTI office or call DTI Direct at 751-3330 or 0917-8343330.