BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

A new month means another challenge in budgeting for Nanay Gemma.

Since February 1, the new price guide from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been in effect.

Along with this is the announcement of a 2% to 9% price increase on nearly 60 essential products.

Now, Nanay Gemma’s weekly 2,000 pesos budget is becoming tighter.

“With the rising prices, my budget is no longer enough. Before, I could buy all the canned goods I needed, but now, I can’t afford everything. I hope they also increase the minimum wage to help us cope with our budget,” she said.

Some brands of sardines, canned meat, evaporated milk, coffee, bottled water, Pinoy Tasty bread, Pinoy Pandesal, laundry soap, and batteries have seen price hikes.

Price increases range from nearly one peso to over three pesos, depending on the product.

For small vendors like Ate Nilda, finding capital to sustain their business is becoming more difficult.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry has stated that the price hikes are due to increased costs of raw materials for manufacturers.

The DTI will conduct price monitoring in markets to ensure compliance with the price guide.

Violators may face complaints for violating Republic Act 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines.