VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Ilocos Sur urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing Noche Buena products and to support locally made products when gift shopping this holiday season.
DTI-Ilocos Sur Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Annabelle Polanco said the agency released the 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide, which is now posted in every grocery store and supermarket nationwide for consumers to compare prices and select options that fit their budget.
She said, “Some prices have increased compared to last year, while others have decreased. As consumers, we should take advantage of our rights. It’s important to carefully check the items we purchase and refer to the price guides posted in grocery stores and supermarkets. This way, we can ensure the listed prices are accurate and that we are paying the correct amount.”
Polanco explained that the price guide includes 12 categories: ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, all-purpose cream, mayonnaise, pasta noodles, elbow and salad macaroni, tomato, and spaghetti sauce.
The prices for these items are as follows: ham ranges from P170 to P928.50; queso de bola from P210 to P445; fruit cocktail from P61.76 to P302.50; cheese from P56.50 to P310; mayonnaise from P20.40 to P245.85; all-purpose cream from P36.50 to P72; sandwich spread from P27 to P263.60; pasta/spaghetti from P32 to P114; elbow macaroni from P30.50 to P126.25; tomato sauce from P16.50 to P92.85; salad macaroni from P36.50 to P126.25; and spaghetti sauce from P28.50 to P103.
To help consumers identify the Noche Buena Price Guide, the DTI uses markers: a star for no price change and a Christmas tree for decreased prices.
Polanco assured that DTI monitors Noche Buena item prices closely, and consumers can report overpricing through the DTI Ilocos Sur Facebook page at facebook.com/DTI.R1.IlocosSur or contact them via 0936 921 4219/(077) 722 2688 or [email protected].
The 2024 Noche Buena Price Guide is available at https://bit.ly/3VBUsOZ and is effective until December 31.
For gift shopping, Polanco encouraged the public to support local products such as inabel items, buri bags, T-shirts, various foods, and delicacies to help support Ilocano producers and promote these products both nationwide and worldwide.
“Let’s support local products by choosing them for our gifts. Giving locally made items is often more meaningful because they are crafted from the heart. To ensure a safe and worry-free holiday celebration, we strongly encourage consumers to be vigilant. Always check items before purchasing and using them. Make sure they are not defective, that you are paying a fair price, and that you receive the correct item, especially when shopping online,” she ended.
Consumers may purchase these products at the Calle Crisologo, the One-Town One-Product (OTOP) Hub in Vigan City and in Tagudin town, the Pasalubong Centers at Candon City and Tagudin town, and at the 20 DTI Negosyo Centers in the province, which are located in the cities of Vigan and Candon and the towns of Sinait, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Santa Catalina, Narvacan, Santa Maria, Burgos, San Esteban, Lidlidda, San Emilio, Salcedo, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Tagudin, Suyo, Cervantes, Alilem, and Sugpon. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)