Shoppers strategize to save on Noche Buena items

Some grocery shoppers are using strategies to help them save money when purchasing Noche Buena items.

In Bernadette Reyes’ report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, the Department of Industry has released the Noche Buena price guide. 

On the list, 102 Noche Buena items increased in priced while the cost of 13 items went down, including some brands of mayonnaise, macaroni, pasta and all-purpose cream.

Meanwhile, the cost of 121 items remained the same.

“More than 50% have the same price as last year. Meaning, no price increase from last year. Tapos merong mga iba na nag-increase sila pero less than 5% so we're very happy with this kind of update para sa Noche Buena para ang mga pamilya natin, at least, will be able to enjoy and have a Merry Christmas,” DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Eldeguer-Roque said.

(More than 50% have the same price as last year. Meaning, no price increase from last year. The cost of some items increased but it is less than 5% so we're very happy with this kind of update for the Noche Buena so that Filipino families, at least, will be able to enjoy and have a Merry Christmas.)

In order to fit into their budget, some shoppers employ strategies when buying Noche Buena items.

“Pasta tapos kasunod naman gatas pang halo naman sa pasta. Hindi sya mabigat sa bulsa, hindi yun kung baga ibulto mo pag tingnan mo wallet konti na lang natitira po,” buyer Melanie Andrade said.

(After buying the pasta, I will next purchase the milk that I will mix with the pasta. This will not be heavy on our budget because if you buy it in bulk, there will be nothing left in your wallet.)

“Para isahan na lang handa namin iasabay namin binyag ng apo ko sa 25 po para isahan na lang gastos, para makatipid na rin,” buyer Mary Ann Bardon said.

(We will celebrate my grandson's christening on Christmas Day to minimize our expenses.)

Another tip to cutting expenses in preparing Noche Buena is to look for the sale section of groceries and supermarkets.

“Mga 12 to 1 [p.m.] wala po masyadong tao, mga lunchtime. Yung mga spaghetti po na may kasamang sauce tapos mga tasty (bread) na free na rin tsaka cheese na discounted,” cashier Jovy Pamintuan advised.

(There are few people around lunchtime from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. People can also buy Noche Buena items at discounted prices, like spaghetti that comes with a sauce or tasty bread with a free block of cheese.)

“Kung wala 'yung favorite brand or favorite size 'no, you know, you have to be flexible 'di ba? You might wanna try another brand,” said Steve Chua, president of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc.

(You have to be flexible if your favorite brand is not available.)

For P941.25, shoppers can buy Noche Buena items such as spaghetti, fruit salad, bread, sandwich spread and ham.

The Department of Agriculture assured the country has enough supply of agricultural products used in Noche Buena despite the challenges brought by the recent storms and the African Swine Fever. 

“Meron mga pagtaas of course dahil habang papalit ang Pasko talagang marami demand ng ano natin, mga pamapasko na inihahanda, ingredients kagaya ng gulay, karne. But in terms of volume ng supply, relatively confident na hindi tayo magkakaroon ng tightness ng supply,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said.

(The cost of some agricultural products climbed as Christmas draws near, since the demand increases. These ingredients include vegetables and meat. But in terms of the volume of supply, we are relatively confident that we will not experience a tightness in supply.) —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News