P500 Noche Buena possible for family of four, DTI clarifies

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday clarified that a 500-peso Noche Buena remains feasible this year, but only for a family of four and with a pared-down menu.

According to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, current prices of goods, based on the DTI Price Guide, show that P500 could finance a Noche Buena.

“The Noche Buena items for this year, majority of them have no price increase from last year,” she told reporters.

“The Noche Buena celebration or Noche Buena handa will depend on the number of family members or even extended relatives that will be joining the Noche Buena celebration,” she added.

Citing the DTI Price Guide, Roque said a sample basket covering four dishes plus pandesal total P526.00.

Christmas ham prices were estimated at P170, while spaghetti would cost P78.50 — noodles at P30, and the sauce at P48.50.

Macaroni salad would cost a total of P152.44 — macaroni noodles at P40.95, mayonnaise at P55, and cheese at P56.60.

The estimates also include fruit salad, pegged at P98.25 as the fruit cocktail was priced at P61.75, and all-purpose cream at P36.25.

Aside from these, the DTI included Pinoy Pandesal which cost P27.75 for 10 pieces.

Given the estimates, Roque said the total cost could still decrease based on the wants and needs of families for their Noche Buena.

“Kung tutuusin, it’s really pasok for a family of four,” she said.

(If you think about it, it really fits for a family of four.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News