NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) — The faster annual decrease in the inflation rate on rice, the staple on every Filipino family’s dining table, has significantly contributed to the substantial decline in the inflation rate in Biliran province in January 2025.
This is based on the monthly inflation report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Biliran during a press conference on Feb. 12.
According to Renavil V. Cueva, chief statistical specialist of PSA Biliran, the province’s inflation rate for January 2025 was recorded at 1.1 percent from 1.9 percent in December 2024 and 4.9 percent in January 2024.
Cueva said rice demonstrated a rapid year-on-year decrease in January 2025, registering a negative 9.1 percent inflation rate from negative 0.6 percent inflation rate recorded in December 2024.
Cueva added that other food items also showed rapid price decline in January 2025, significantly contributing to the lower inflation rate.
The drop in inflation rate is largely attributed to the food sector, particularly rice, as observed in the declining prices of both locally produced and imported rice sold in the public market of Naval, the capital town of the province.
In an interview, Mae Ann Paral Aux, a rice store owner at the Naval’s public market, confirmed the price decrease.
“Yes, it’s true that rice prices have gone down, especially imported varieties like Jaguar and Don Roberto, which have dropped by P5 per kilo, while locally-produced Naval rice has decreased by P3 per kilo,” she said.
The price reduction in both imported and locally-produced rice has significantly impacted consumers, allowing them to allocate their budget for other essential household purchases.
Helen Abancena, a resident of Barangay P.S. Eamiguel in Naval, expressed her gratitude for the price drop.
“We are really thankful that rice prices have gone down. Now, we can save money and even buy additional ingredients for our meals,” she said.
With rice being a fundamental commodity for every Filipino household, its price fluctuation directly affects consumers’ daily expenses. The observed decline in rice prices in Biliran province has not only benefited the people but has also played a key role in the overall reduction of the inflation rate in the province. (RSV/PIA Biliran)
