Despite a continued drop in inflation, the Marcos administration will sustain its efforts to monitor prices and manage inflation risks, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said Tuesday.
The statement follows the Philippine Statistics Authority’s report that April inflation dropped to 1.4%, the lowest since November 2019. Food inflation declined sharply to 0.7% from 2.3% in March, driven by lower rice prices, which have fallen for ten consecutive months due to reduced local farmgate prices and import costs.
“The sustained slowdown in inflation, driven largely by the significant decline in food prices, is a positive sign that our policy interventions are working. We will continue to implement strategies to vigilantly monitor price shocks and proactively temper inflationary pressures,” said DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon.
The Department of Agriculture is monitoring high-value crops vulnerable to extreme heat, and has reactivated the Inter-Agency Livestock Data Analytics Group to support evidence-based decisions in the meat and poultry sectors.
DEPDev also signed a deal with the Philippine Postal Corp. to expand the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program by allowing PHLPost branches to host Kadiwa stores nationwide.
“We must continue to push for decisive coordination to ensure price stability, especially for essential commodities. Our goal is not only to reduce inflation but to ensure that its benefits are felt by every Filipino household – through lower food costs and improved access to basic goods,” Edillon added.
She also highlighted DEPDev’s expanded mandate, transitioning from the former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to lead long-term planning and policy coherence.
“With the expanded mandate, DEPDev is now better positioned to unify and align the country’s socioeconomic goals. We are committed to developing forward-looking, strategic policies that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, generate quality jobs, manage inflation, and protect the purchasing power of Filipinos,” Edillon said.
