Prices of ham in some markets rise; DTI advises buyers to be wise

As prices of ham in some markets increased, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Sunday advised buyers to be wise when buying food items.

DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez suggested to consumers to choose cheaper brands which may give more value for money.

“Kapag naramdaman nila na wala nang bumibili sa sobrang taas nila, bumababa rin sila. Kung mahal, huwag natin bilhin. Pumili tayo ng mura na brand na sulit,” he said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

According to a report on Super Radyo dzBB, prices of ham rose by P20 to P40 per kilo in some markets.

In a popular store selling ham in Quiapo, Manila, the price increased by around P30. Boneless ham costs P1,220 per kilo, bone in ham costs P1,320, while chopped ham costs P1,200 per kilo.

Prices of ham are expected to increase more as Christmas day nears.

“Kung bibilhin natin talaga 'yung mamahalin, 'yun po, kasi nagtataas talaga 'yun,” Lopez said.

He also explained that some brands of ham have their own market that do not care about price increases. Other brands, however, cater to regular consumers.

“Normally, 'yung bumubili noon on a normal basis, hindi naman nila iniinda 'yung pag-i-increase ng piso, dalawang piso per kilo, so may market para roon. May market din naman na pang-regular lang,” he said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News