DTI sees hike in school supply prices

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects prices of school supplies to increase as the opening of school draws near, according to Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.

In anticipating such an increase, the DTI will further intensify its market monitoring operations to ensure adequate supply and stable prices, Domingo said in a statement.

As of this week, however, prices of school supplies remained stable. In Divisoria, school supplies were even priced lower than the suggested retail price, based on the results of a recent monitoring by DTI.

Representatives from the Department of Education and the local government of Manila also joined the DTI in the inspection not only of the prices, but also of the supply of school supplies in the Divisoria market—which is known to be the bargain center in Metro Manila.

The joint monitoring activity was aimed at preventing unreasonable price increases and the distribution of unsafe school items even with the increasing demand at this time of the year.

Aside from the prices, the DTI also inspected the quality and proper labeling of school supplies.

Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines or Republic Act 7394, manufacturers and distributors are required to comply with the minimum labeling requirements.