Sales of school supplies remain sluggish in some stores in Baclaran, just a week before the official reopening of the school year 2025-2026. This trend persists despite prices falling below the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) suggested retail guide.
According to DTI’s special market monitoring conducted on Sunday, June 8, many school items in Baclaran are being sold at significantly lower prices compared to those listed in the department’s price guide.
“There are a lot of factors that bring down the price of an item. One is the cost of raw materials. Number two, it depends on how much they acquired the items for. Number three, competition. Number four, if the cost of rent decreases, that also affects prices,” explained DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque.
Rachelle Panganiban, a mother from Valenzuela, traveled to Baclaran with her child to shop for school supplies, allocating a budget of ₱5,000 for her two children entering Grade 1 and Grade 5. “Makakapal na tapos pangmatagalan na. Matitibay. ‘Yong mga crayons, hindi madaling maputol… Pasok na pasok sa budget namin. Mas maraming nabibili,” Panganiban noted, expressing satisfaction with the quality and affordability of the supplies.
Some shoppers are opting to buy early to avoid the last-minute rush. Store owner Jantsen Llanza confirmed that prices this year are significantly cheaper. “Ang ine-expect po namin na dumami para ma-pull out o mapaubos po natin ‘yong stocks natin… Last year po kasi talaga sobrang taas po ng notebook no’ng mga kinukuhanan namin lalo na no’ng lockdown kasi halos wala na talaga kaming makuha,” Llanza explained.
Despite the lower prices, the DTI does not anticipate an increase in school supply costs before the June 16 school opening. “I don’t see any reason why they should put up their prices. We also have to be concerned about the consumers. It’s okay to make money. Parang give and take lang din. Hindi pwedeng one-sided,” Secretary Roque added.
The DTI has warned vendors against exploiting the situation and assured that daily monitoring will continue not only in Metro Manila but across various regions in the country to ensure compliance and consumer protection.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously ordered the DTI to ensure proper pricing of school supplies ahead of the scheduled opening of classes. “Nagkakaroon ng notice of violation. They are asked to explain and if there are violations, pwede magkaroon ng imposition ng mga penalties,” said Asec. Agaton Teodoro Uvero, emphasizing the department’s commitment to consumer rights.