Western Visayas: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Western Visayas is encouraging consumers to refer to the 2025 "Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies" as they prepare for the upcoming school year starting on June 16.

According to Philippines News Agency, DTI-6 Director Rachel Nufable emphasized in a press conference that the guide is meant to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing school supplies, as these items are not considered basic needs or prime commodities. Nufable noted that nine manufacturers or distributors and a retailer submitted a total of 195 stock-keeping units (SKUs) for this year, with 147 carried over from the previous year. Among the carried-over SKUs, 101 retained their prices, 29 saw price reductions, and 48 experienced price increases.

Nufable detailed that there are notable price decreases, such as a 25 to 29 percent drop for notebooks, 8 to 26 percent for grade pad paper, 3 to 19 percent for intermediate pad, and 25 percent for pencils. Conversely, price increases range from PHP1 to PHP8.30 for various items, including notebooks and crayons.

DTI Consumer Protection Division chief Grace Benedicto reported that weekly monitoring of school supply prices is conducted in 89 stores across the region, spanning several provinces. Benedicto assured that prices remain stable and supplies are adequate, aligning with the DTI's guide. She cautioned that any store found selling supplies beyond the guide's recommended prices will be reported to the Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau for further action.

Benedicto advised parents to purchase non-toxic crayons and erasers approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, Nufable mentioned that the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan will primarily occur in-store due to logistical challenges, with scheduled events across various locations in the region.