DTI to monitor prices of school supplies

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has assured consumers that prices of school supplies are expected to remain stable even as the opening of classes nears.

“The department has maintained an open communication with the manufacturers and importers of office and school supplies and this year, the cooperation and support to maintain reasonable and stable prices of school and office supplies is strong. In fact, based on their reports, prices are the same as of two years ago,” DTI - Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba said in a statement.

The DTI has issued the list of suggested retail prices (SRP) for school supplies earlier this month to serve as guide for retailers and consumers.

The list is based on the prices discussed by the DTI through its Consumer Protection and  Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) with school and office supplies providers.

“The CPAB validates the submitted (prices by firms) against the costs of production particularly raw materials,” Dimagiba said.

Based on the DTI’s price guide, the SRP for 80-leaf composition, writing and spiral notebooks ranges from P10 to P14.75.

For 80-leaf pad paper for grades 1 to 4,  the recommended price ranges from P6 to P12, while the selling price for 80-leaf intermediate pad paper is from P11.50 to P22.50.

As for a pack of 16 crayons, the selling price suggested by the DTI is from P22.50 to P37.75.

The prescribed price for a pack of three regular pencils is from P9.50 to P23.50.

The SRP for ball pen is P4.75 to P10.75 per piece.

The DTI intends to monitor the SRPs of school supplies being sold in the market.

It would also check whether the school supplies comply with specific quality standards and labelling requirements.

 â€œBut we remind manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers that if they are found not complying with the requirements of the PNS (Philippine National Standard), they shall face administrative charges under RA (Republic Act) 7394, which include a maximum fine of P300,000 per violation,” Dimagiba said.

Consumers may report or file complaints against unsafe school supplies to the Department of Health or Food and Drug Administration.

For overpriced and unlabelled school supplies, consumers can go to the nearest DTI office or call 751-3330 and 0917-8343330.