MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confirmed that prices of school supplies have increased.
In an interview with Net 25’s, Usapang Pagbabago, DTI Undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo explained that the price rise was due to the increase on the prices of raw materials for pad papers and other school supplies.
She said that they will ask the paper manufacturers in the country not to apply the increase in the current stocks.
“Pipilitin pa rin nating agapan na huwag muna sana doon sa lumang stocks. Hahabulin natin, kaya lang doon sa nakapagtaas na kakausapin pa rin natin. Sinasabihan naman natin sila na kung maaari ay yung absolute minimum na kailangan lang talagang itaas na presyo,” Castelo said.
The official also clarified that the price increase was not in any way connected to the TRAIN law or the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion law. It was more because of the increase in the prices of imported paper in the world market, she said.