Bread prices
DESPITE the economic hardship, the suggested retail prices (SRPs) of certain brands of bread are set to increase on February 8, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Although it’s the first since 2016, the price adjustment drew howls and protests from the “beleaguered” Filipino people, particularly the poorest of the poor throughout the Philippines.
Of course, the adverse reaction is understandable because many people are still jobless and underemployed due to the paralyzing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In fact, millions of people, particularly the unvaccinated, are not even allowed to go out of their homes as part of efforts to prevent the further spread of the dreaded virus.
The price adjustment was initially set to take effect on February 1 (Tuesday), but the country’s bread manufacturers decided to postpone the increase for a week.
Reports said covered by the new suggested retail prices are 73 brands of basic necessities and prime commodities, including bread, bottled water and detergent soap.
Starting February 8, the highly-popular bread brands Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal will cost up to P3 more, with the price of flour increasing by nearly 45 percent.
The price hike only covers the increased cost of flour, but not the adjustments in other costs, such as oil and sugar
Various quarters described the price increases as “hefty” and will certainly burn a hole in the pockets of consumers, especially the jobless and low-salaried workers.
Sana makahanap ng paraan ang gobyerno para matulungan ang naghihirap na taumbayan.
