Manila: Prices of basic necessities will remain steady until the end of 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday as the holiday season approaches. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque announced that prices of most Noche Buena items would also remain unchanged. According to Philippines News Agency, Roque stated, "First and foremost, for the prices for basic necessities, no price increase until the end of the year," during a press briefing in Malacañang. She further elaborated that more than 50 percent of Noche Buena items will maintain the same prices as last year, with only minor increases of less than 5 percent for certain products. The Trade chief acknowledged that minor price increases on some commodities are already being implemented. These adjustments are necessary to account for rising costs, particularly for imported goods. However, Roque assured consumers that these price changes were kept minimal to avoid burdening them. Roque emphasized, "Actually, there was no price increase since last year. So, of course, prices -- some are imported products have already increased. So they decided to request if they could increase." She encouraged consumers to refer to the updated prices of Noche Buena package items available on DTI's social media platforms, ensuring they have a reliable guide during the holiday shopping season.