Agency Urges Parents to Compare Prices, Check Product Labels Before Buying
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released its Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Guide for school supplies ahead of the opening of classes for School Year 2026-2027, giving parents and consumers a reference for comparing prices of essential classroom materials.
The price guide covers commonly used school items, including notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.
Based on the latest advisory from the DTI, writing and composition notebooks are priced between ₱13 and ₱52, while pad paper ranges from ₱13 to ₱37 per pack.
Meanwhile, pencils are priced from ₱12 to ₱18 each, while ballpens range from ₱13 to ₱21 per piece.
Crayons, depending on the number of colors included in a pack, may cost anywhere from ₱12 to ₱114.
According to the DTI, the SRP guide is intended to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by providing a range of prices and allowing them to compare products from different brands and manufacturers.
The agency also reminded the public to carefully check product labels, specifications, and other details to ensure the quality, safety, and accuracy of the items they purchase.
With the back-to-school season fast approaching, the DTI said the guide aims to promote consumer awareness and help families manage their school-related expenses more effectively.
For the complete list of suggested price ranges for school supplies, consumers may visit the official social media pages of the Department of Trade and Industry.
ia/mnm
