DA: Prices of Noche Buena items up 5%

MANILA, Philippines — Prices of Noche Buena grocery items have increased by about five percent, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s latest inspections.

Chicken and pork prices have risen due to higher demand during the holidays, the DA noted.

No more price hikes are expected before yearend, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public.

Tiu Laurel said they are still investigating why rice prices have “stubbornly” remained high, with a P12 premium over expected prices.

“Rice is being sold for P62, but for me, it should be P50 only. I can see a problem with the branding,” he said.

Cheaper rice at around P40 to P45 is being sold by the DA under its Rice-for-All program at select public markets in Metro Manila.

The program has been expanded to four more markets in the capital: the Larangay Public Market and Phase 9 Bagong Silang Market in Caloocan, Cloverleaf Market in Quezon City and New Marulas Public Market in Valenzuela.

Meanwhile, the rice program offering the staple at P29 per kilo has opened new locations at Kamuning Market in Quezon City, Pasay City Public Market and New Las Piñas City Market.