Three weeks before the start of classes, stores in Dagupan City have started seeing an increase of shoppers looking to purchase school supplies. 

Many are taking advantage of the current low prices and aim to avoid the crowds as a new school year approaches.

"May sapat na budget, kaya mas mabuti na ibili na lang kaagad para hindi na maigastos sa ibang bagay... medyo mura pa ngayon, baka sa susunod na araw magtaas na kasi bilihan na," Jocelyn Medilo, one of the shoppers, said.

"Mas konting tao… baka mamaya tumaas na kaya mas maganda maaga na bumili," Ruby Ann Ferrer, another shopper, added.

According to several stores, the influx of shoppers actually began in June 2024. 

As of this writing, prices have not increased because the cost of school supplies from their suppliers has decreased.

"Mura ngayon ang price kaysa last year. P51.47 [to] P51.58… depende kung magtataas kami. Siyempre kukuha kami ulit sa Manila kung tumaas doon [at] siyempre itataas din namin [kasi] siyempre yung puhunan," Amy Buduan, a bookstore saleslady, said.

Monitoring by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan revealed that the prices of around 30 school supply items have started to rise.

The supply of school items remains stable, so there won’t be any shortage in the coming months.

"Ang reasons ng mga manufacturers ay yung pagtaas din ng gasolina. They incur yung transport inputs niya [dahil] nakakadagdag presyo yan. Then yung production inputs tumataas din, so sa paggawa ng iba’t-ibang produkto may mga imported din na mga materials," Natalia Dalaten, Director of DTI Pangasinan, said.

DTI encouraged shoppers to buy school supplies early to avoid crowds and benefit from lower prices. They also advised consumers to be discerning in their purchases.