PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) — The improvement in fish catch and the recovery of other agricultural products from the impact of El Niño pushed the deceleration of the inflation rate in June for Palawan, says the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The inflation rate for the province slowed down to 3.4 percent from 4.1 percent. recorded in May. The slower movement of prices in food and non-alcoholic beverages, with 3.3 percent inflation, was the top contributor, followed by transport at 2.0 percent and information and communication at 1.2 percent.
PSA Palawan Supervising Statistical Specialist Evelyn Apellido reported that the improvement in weather compared to previous months helped fishmen catch more fish. This is also seen in the sufficient rice supply in the province.
“Katulad sa fish and cereals, nag-improve na kasi ang ating panahon. Hindi na grabe ang init tulad ng mga nakaraang buwan. Ibig sabihin, mas marami ng fishermen ang nakapaglaot at nakahuli ng mga isda. Kapag maraming supplies na available in the market, ang tendency talaga non ay bababa ay presyo ng ating mga bilihin,” she said.
As per the annual trend, PSA observed that the onset of the rainy season in the country also helps the production of some agricultural products, resulting in more supplies and a lower price in the market.
Aside from food and non-alcoholic beverages, the cheaper price of gadgets, particularly mobile telephone equipment, also contributed to the slower movement of the inflation rate. The lower price of gasoline was also observed in June, which led to a decelerating rate for the transport group.
“Wala tayong control don, ang pinakasaya na lang natin ay mababa ang presyo ng gasoline noong nakaraang Hunyo,” Apellido said.
In contrast, the City of Puerto Princesa showed an acceleration in rate from 4.0 percent in May to 4.1 percent in June. The major contributor is the commodity group of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, with 9.0 percent inflation due to the increase in electricity rate and higher demand for gas and liquid fuels.
Other contributors are restaurants and accommodation services with 3.7 percent inflation and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services with 1.4 percent.
PSA shared that both inflation rates for the bottom 30 percent in Palawan and Puerto Princesa showed a slower movement in June. Palawan recorded 3.6 percent from 4.4 percent in May, while Puerto Princesa had 5.8 percent from the 6.1 percent in May.
The inflation in the bottom 30 percent is mainly contributed by commodity groups of food and non-alcoholic beverages and transport.
In the regionwide report, MIMAROPA also showed deceleration from May’s 4.6 percent to June’s 4.4 percent. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
