Inflation rate in Caraga drops to 0.6% in April 2025
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Caraganons experienced a major economic reprieve in April 2025 as the region’s headline inflation rate dropped to 0.6 percent, down from 1.3 percent in March and a significant 3.4 percent in the same month last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga.
“This marks the lowest inflation rate recorded in recent months, signaling greater price stability for Caraganons,” said PSA Caraga Director Guillermo M. Lipio Jr.
The sharp decline means that prices of basic goods and services increased at a much slower pace, easing the financial pressure on many households, particularly those from low-income sectors. Improved purchasing power has enabled better access to daily essentials for families across the region.
Lipio
reported that a key factor in the inflation deceleration was the food and
non-alcoholic beverages commodity group, which posted a deflation of -0.8
percent in April 2025. This marked a reversal from the 0.6 percent increase reported
in March. According to Lipio, this group accounted for 76.8 percent of the
overall inflation slowdown.
Among
staple items, rice recorded a substantial price decline with an inflation rate
of -11.4 percent, further down from -8.7 percent in March. Prices of fish and
other seafood also eased, with inflation slowing to 2.7 percent from 5.2
percent in the previous month.
“These
trends are a welcome development for families managing tight budgets, as food
accounts for a significant share of household expenses,” Lipio added.
Several
other commodity groups also contributed to the easing of inflation, including
transport at -2.9 percent (from -1.0.percent);; recreation, sport and culture
at 3.8 percent (from 4.2.percent); and personal care and miscellaneous goods
and services at 2.4 percent from 2.6 percent.
Despite
slight upticks in the prices of electricity, clothing, and health services, the
general downtrend in inflation suggests improving economic conditions and may
boost consumer confidence in the region.
Lipio
noted, inflation movements varied across Caraga’s provinces and its lone highly
urbanized city (HUC). Areas with decreased inflation include the provinces of
Agusan del Norte; Surigao del Norte; Surigao del Sur; and Butuan City. While
the areas with increased inflation include the provinces of Agusan Del Sur,
which rose to 1.0 percent; and Dinagat Islands, which posted a slight increase
in deflation at -1.2 percent.
Among all
areas, Butuan City registered the highest inflation rate at 1.6 percent, though
lower than 1.9 percent in March. Dinagat Islands had the lowest at -1.2
percent.
The
sustained slowdown, particularly the drop in food prices, offers relief for
Caraganon families and supports better financial planning. With essential goods
like rice and fish becoming more affordable, many households can redirect funds
toward other needs or savings.
The PSA Caraga reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor regional price trends to guide policy and provide communities with relevant economic information for informed decision-making, Lipio said. (NCLM, PIA Caraga)
