LEGAZPI CITY — Despite the ongoing global petroleum crisis, basic food items in the Bicol region have not yet seen a significant price surge, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office.
Lovella Guarin, the DA regional information officer, confirmed on Tuesday that retail prices across the region’s major public markets remain stable. Citing the agency’s Daily Price Index, Guarin noted that there has been “no unusual movement” in the cost of essential goods as of late March.
Current data from major Bicol cities shows a consistent price range for primary commodities:
- Rice: Well-milled local rice is selling for ₱42 to ₱54 per kilo. Ligao City recorded the lowest prices, while Masbate City saw the highest. In regional hubs like Legazpi and Naga, prices are hovering between ₱43 and ₱48.
- Meat: Pork (liempo) is currently priced at ₱300 to ₱350 per kilo. The most affordable cuts are found in Tabaco and Ligao, whereas Masbate City remains the most expensive. Whole chicken is holding steady between ₱195 and ₱230 per kilo.
- Fish: Tilapia remains accessible at ₱160 to ₱200 per kilo, with Daet offering the lowest rates. Galunggong (round scad) is priced between ₱200 and ₱240 per kilo where available.
While prices are currently stable, the DA is maintaining close surveillance of market trends. Officials acknowledge that sustained high fuel costs inevitably impact the logistics chain—specifically transport and distribution—which are primary drivers of food inflation in the long term.
The report comes as a relief to local consumers, though many remain wary of potential adjustments in the coming weeks. The DA encourages the public to check local price monitors and report any instances of overpricing or hoarding to the authorities.