Prices of some goods up in new SRP

The prices of several basic goods will increase based on the new suggested retail price (SRP) guide issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

According to Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report on Wednesday, prices of canned goods, bread, milk, soap, batteries, and candles among others will increase.

“Inuna natin yung mga medyo nagkakaproblema na sa kanilang mga lugi or magsara ...,” DTI undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

Despite the increase, the Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines (CSAP) said they will appeal because the new SRP is not enough.

“At P1.50 thats not acceptable. If we were making let’s say 50 centavos or P1 per tin and nagdagdag kami ng P3 pesos na cost yun lang hinahabol namin na macover,” CSAP executive director Bombit Buencamino said.

The bread manufacturer group Philippine Baking Industry Group (PHILBAKING) said it asked for a P4 price increase in Pinoy Tasty, while P3 in Pinoy Pandesal. However, only half of it was allowed by the DTI.

The group said it will appeal for a price increase in the coming days.

“Will try to convince them to add P2 in the future. It’s not enough because as of now the sugar is still on the high side. the flour hasn’t gone down, the fuel still andoon pa rin yung high side ng fuel,” PHILBAKING president Jerry Lao said.

“For purposes of making these products affordable talaga para sa consumers tinemper na rin natin yung mga hiniling nila hinati pa natin,” Castelo said.

The increase will be detrimental to many Filipino families who find it gard to stretch their budget amid the high costs of goods.

“Sinasabawan po namin ginigisahan po namin yung sardinas, noodles naman hinahaluan na lang namin ng seasoning, yung sa kape minsan inuulam po namin,” consumer Beautybell Suan said.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News