(PSA-10 Director Janith Aves discusses the February 2025 inflation report during a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City. Aves emphasized the importance of understanding inflation data for informed decision-making, particularly in managing household budgets and guiding government policies. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscored the importance of understanding inflation data to support informed decision-making, especially in managing household finances and economic planning.
In a press conference on northern Mindanao’s February 2025 Inflation Report, PSA-10 Director Janith Aves explained that their challenge is helping the public understand inflation, as many Filipinos still struggle to grasp its meaning and impact.
Aves said inflation measures the rate at which prices rise. Even if inflation decreases, it does not mean that goods and services are becoming cheaper, only that the rate of price increases has slowed.
“Kung mag-ubos ang inflation, dili pasabot nga nag-ubos ang presyo. Kung nag-ubos ang inflation pero positive ang figure, meaning ana, hinay lang ang pagsaka sa mga presyo,” she said.
(If inflation decreases, it doesn’t mean that prices are also decreasing. If inflation decreases but the figure is still positive, it means that prices are still rising, but at a slower rate.)
Aves stressed that understanding inflation is essential in decision-making related to investments, government policies, and even household spending. She explained that high inflation reduces purchasing power, making it more difficult for people to afford basic goods. This also affects wage adjustments, as both the government and businesses must account for inflation when determining pay rates.
“Input ni atoang inflation sa daghang mga decision-making sa government, even sa katawhan. Kay kung makita nato nga nagtaas ang presyo, maghinay-hinay ta gasto kay i-priority nato ang basic commodities,” she added.
(Our inflation data influences many decision-making processes in the government and even among the public. When we see prices rising, we adjust our spending and prioritize basic commodities.)
Aves said the PSA holds a monthly press conference to share inflation data to help the public understand it better and make informed decisions for their families and communities.
February 2025 inflation
Aves reported that the regional inflation rate for February 2025 was recorded at 1.8 percent, down by 1.1 percentage points from the 2.9 percent rate in January 2025.
She attributed the slowdown in inflation mainly to slower price increases in three sectors. Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages inflation dropped to 0.6 percent from 2.4 percent in January 2025. Transport inflation also decreased to 3.1 percent from 5.4 percent, and Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance inflation fell to 3.0 percent from 5.1 percent.
Northern Mindanao’s inflation rate was also lower than the national rate of 2.1 percent.
“All the provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region also experienced lower inflation rates. The highest inflation rate for the month was recorded in Misamis Oriental at 3.8 percent, while the lowest was observed in Lanao del Norte at 0.2 percent,” she added. (APB/PIA-10)
