Unbalanced growth leads to abnormality.
Many people share the fantasy of being able to shop without worrying about price tags, much like in the movies.
However, given the current price situation in the City of Tacloban, it's nearly impossible for citizens to avoid checking product prices.
“It pamasahe nasasabtan man dayon kay may gin rerelease man na bagat announcement. An mga urog na goods lugod na nasasabtan nala nga humataas na an presyo pag ma-punch na, mapalit na.” Vilma, a fruit vendor, stated in frustration.
PSA Statistics
According to the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), Tacloban City witnessed a rise in its inflation rate, reaching 3.2 percent in April 2024 compared to 2.8 percent in March 2024.
“Titikahataas an presyo hit urog nga mga paraliton pero it amon sweldo ngan income asya lagehap sanglit nakukurian pag bubudget.” Vilma added.
Currently, the average retail prices of goods and services in Tacloban City are now 20 percent higher than the average retail prices recorded in 2018.
As reported by the PSA, Tacloban City's purchasing power of the peso held steady at 83 centavos in April 2024.
This signifies that the value of the same basket of goods and services, valued at 83 pesos in the base year of 2018, now totals to 100 pesos.
Inflation Surge
Tacloban City's inflation surged due to specific commodity groups such as food, beverages, electricity, and related items.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages experienced a slight rise from 6.1 percent to 6.2 percent, attributed to increased prices of fish, seafood, fruits, nuts, and ready-made food items.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco saw an increase from 5.4 percent to 5.5 percent, driven by higher prices of spirits, liquors, and wine.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels shifted from -0.7 percent deflation to 0.8 percent inflation, influenced by rising prices of security equipment, gas, and liquid fuels.
Feeling The Effects
With all these price hikes, it's no wonder that citizens are taking notice and appear to be feeling the effects.
“Dapat hataasan liwat an suweldo or iinkamon han mga consumers liwat,” Vilma declared.
Golda, a working student, also shares the same sentiment as Vilma.
“If di talaga kaya pa hit Pinas mag increase ngayan hit salary, di unta hira mag increase mga prices hit goods and services,” she stated.
“If mahal na it gastuson, mag titipid ka, pag tipid nat, it lawas liwat nat it mabigay hit kakurian. Labi na ha patigda na garastuson like other health issues na di mo ma aasahan liwat, mga pan emergency.” She further expressed.
Financial Strain
The rising inflation rate in Tacloban City puts significant financial strain on its citizens, as observed through increased prices for essential goods and services.
The question, "just how much is affordable?" arises alongside this issue.
With inflation outpacing wage growth, citizens like Vilma and Golda find it challenging to balance their budgets, leading to compromises in spending and potential financial stress.
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