MARAWI CITY—The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) experienced a modest rise in its inflation rate reaching 6.4% in September compared to the 5.1% recorded in August 2023.
Despite this uptick, BARMM remains well below the national inflation average.
Engr. Akan Tula, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in BARMM, clarified that the region’s modest inflation increase merely positions it in fifth place among all regions, indicating a manageable situation.
He explained that the recent inflation rate surge in the Bangsamoro region can be attributed to growth in the indices of three commodity groups: Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Restaurant and Accommodation Services, Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services.
Regarding the minor increase in regional inflation, Tula stated that his office is the only one authorized to share data on the inflation rate. She said that the public needs to be aware of the situation and that once the authorities are informed, they can act to mitigate the potential adverse effects.
He reassured the public that the current slight increase in the region’s inflation rate is mainly due to the present experience of international conflict and the related issue of national or regional demand and supply of basic commodities, which is not yet alarming.
Among the BARMM provinces, Maguindanao (comprising Del Sur and Del Norte) had the highest inflation rate at 10.2%, followed by Basilan at 7.3%, Tawi-Tawi at 5.6%, Lanao Del Sur at 5.2%, and Sulu with the lowest inflation rate at 1.1%.
Monitoring the economic stability is part of the Bangsamoro region’s commitment to the 7th priority in the 12-point agenda of BARMM, which aims to enhance the responsiveness and timeliness of social protection measures, thus reducing vulnerability to economic and social crises. (BIO/PIA Lanao del Sur)
