People shop for school supplies in Divisoria on August 17, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released a price guide for school supplies as the opening of classes approached. 

“Ito ay para magbigay ng guide sa consumers kung ano-ano ang nakikita nilang presyo ng school supplies. May choice sila to go for the lowest price,” said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. 

The prices of school supplies in DTI’s “Gabay sa Pamimimli ng School Supplies” are listed below:

• • Notebook: P11.8 - P52
• • Pad paper for Grades 1-4: P9.5 - P61
• • Intermediate pad paper: P13.8 - P48.75
• • Pencils: P11 - P33
• • Ballpens: P3 - P33
• • Box of crayons with eight colors: P12 (regular) - P65 (jumbo)
• • Crayon pack (12-color): P32
• • Crayon pack (16-color): P24 - P83
• • Crayon pack (24-color): P34 - P114
• • Sharpeners: P15 - P69
• • Rulers: P16 - P29
• • Erasers: P4.5 - P20

DTI said 80 out of 117 stock-keeping units (SKUs) kept its prices from last year.

Prices increased for around 28 items and decreased for nine items. 

Some shoppers in Divisoria in Manila have started buying school supplies to avoid the shopping rush as the July 29 opening of classes approached. 

“Bumibili ako nang mas maaga dahil habang lumalapit ang pasukan, nagmamahal ang paninda,” parent Jay Macarilay said.

(I buy early because school supplies become more expensive as school opening draws nearer.)

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