With Christmas Day less than three weeks away, shoppers in Pangasinan have started buying ingredients for their Noche Buena and Media Noche meals as prices of at least 95 items went up.
Caragay from Sta. Barbara said she already began picking up supplies early.
“Unti-unti na akong bumibili kasi hindi kaya ng sabay-sabay, magastos,” she said.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured the public that the supply of Noche Buena products in the province remains stable. The agency also released its official 2025 Noche Buena Price Guide to help families plan their holiday budget.
DTI-1 Acting Assistant Director Natalia Dalaten said consumers have nothing to worry about.
“With regards sa supply, walang dapat alalahanin ang mga kababayan natin dahil maraming supply,” she said.
Based on the DTI guide, prices of key holiday staples fall within the following ranges:
- Ham: ₱170–₱945
- Fruit cocktail: ₱61.76–₱94.41
- All-purpose cream: ₱36.50–₱72.00
- Nata de coco: ₱52.50–₱62.50
- Kaong: ₱76.50–₱84.00
- Queso de bola: ₱211–₱470
- Cheese: ₱16.50–₱310
- Mayonnaise: ₱20.40–₱245.85
- Sandwich spread: ₱12–₱263.30
- Pasta/spaghetti: ₱27–₱116.75
- Elbow macaroni: ₱24–₱128.15
- Salad macaroni: ₱36.50–₱128.15
- Spaghetti sauce: ₱25–₱108.25
- Tomato sauce: ₱16.75–₱92.25
DTI said there is no price movement for about 50 percent or 65 Noche Buena items. The prices of 95 other items increased by one percent to six percent, while the prices of two items decreased by two percent.
Dalaten said teams continue to inspect supermarkets and groceries to ensure compliance.
“So far, sa pag-iikot natin, wala naman tayong nakikitang nag-violate,” she said.
Supermarkets also said they follow pricing regulations.
“Hindi po kami nagtataas ng presyo,” said Joyce Selma, a supervisor in Dagupan City.
More than 200 items, from ham and fruit cocktail to spaghetti sauce, cheese, all-purpose cream, and queso de bola, are covered in the DTI price guide to help families prepare for the holiday rush.
