Tunis:Pangasinan Inflation rates in the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union experienced an increase in September compared to August, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-Pangasinan Officer-in-Charge Verna Palsimon noted that the inflation rate in Pangasinan rose from 3.3 percent in August to 5 percent in September. The primary driver of this increase was the food and non-alcoholic beverages group, which accounted for 77 percent of the inflation, particularly due to vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses. This was followed by the transport group, specifically passenger transport by road, contributing 11 percent, and the restaurant and accommodation services group, including full-service restaurants and cafes.
In La Union, PSA Chief Statistical Specialist Dr. Danites Teñido reported that the inflation rate increased from 7.4 percent in August to 9.4 percent in September. The food and non-alcoholic beverages group was again the main contributor, accounting for 63.2 percent of the rise, driven by similar food items as in Pangasinan. The restaurant and accommodation services group followed with a 16.8 percent share, and transport, particularly gasoline, contributed 4.5 percent.
Other significant contributors to inflation in both provinces were rice, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas. In Pangasinan, eggplants added to the inflation, while in La Union, various pelagic fish played a role. However, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels saw a decrease in inflation. Inflation in information and communication and financial services remained unchanged in both regions, while education services inflation was steady in La Union.
Milagros Dela Rosa, a project evaluation officer from the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Ilocos Region, highlighted measures being taken to mitigate the impact of rising inflation. These include market interventions, support for farmers and fisherfolk, and expanding the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program, which allows direct sales from producers to consumers, reducing costs. The PHP20 Rice Program offers cheaper rice to eligible sectors, and registered farmers and fisherfolk benefit from reduced food expenses. The DA also provides quality seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation facilities to boost food production.
Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of monitoring crop damage and preparing for weather challenges like El Niño to bolster production in less vulnerable areas. The DA continues to oversee prices and supply of essential commodities to address shortages and decide on additional supply or importation if necessary.
