The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has unveiled its latest price guide on school supplies, titled "Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies," through its Fair Trade Group (FTG).

This guide aims to provide affordable options for consumers as they prepare for the start of the school year.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring Filipino families have access to reasonably priced school supplies as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

The Secretary stated that the guide seeks to alleviate the financial burden on parents, ensuring that students can return to school well-equipped.

The price guide for 2025 encompasses a total of 195 stock keeping units (SKUs) across 12 categories.

Among these, 29 items have seen a price decrease compared to last year, with reductions ranging from PHP 1.00 to PHP 10.00. Notable price reductions include:

- Notebooks: Price reduced by PHP 4.00 (5.00 – 10.00), with a percentage decrease of 20% – 37%.

- Pad Paper: Price reduced by PHP 24.00 (1.00 – 6.00), with a percentage decrease of 3% – 26%.

- Pencil: Price reduced by PHP 1.00 (5.00), with a percentage decrease of 25%.

In addition to price reductions, 101 SKUs, accounting for 52% of the total, have maintained their prices from the previous year.

This includes all SKUs for ballpens, erasers, and sharpeners.

The latest price guide also introduces 48 new SKUs, which constitute 25% of the overall list, providing consumers with a broader range of options, including new brands and variants.

To facilitate consumer awareness, the guide employs icons: a pen for items that have not increased in price and scissors for those that have seen a reduction.

Current price ranges for key school supplies include:
- Notebooks: PHP 15.00 to PHP 52.00.
- Pad Paper: PHP 15.00 to PHP 48.75.
- Pencils: PHP 11.00 to PHP 24.00.
- Pens: PHP 3.00 to PHP 33.00.
- Crayons: PHP 12.00 to PHP 114.00, based on box sizes.

- Sharpeners: PHP 15.00 to PHP 69.00.
- Rulers: PHP 16.00 to PHP 39.00.
- Erasers: PHP 4.50 to PHP 20.00.

Secretary Roque further commented on the importance of the guide, noting that every peso matters for Filipino families, particularly during the back-to-school period.

She emphasized that the initiative reflects the administration's promise to support every learner.

The DTI has advised consumers to scrutinize product labels, especially regarding the number of leaves in notebooks and pad papers, and to be cautious of supplies lacking proper labeling that includes the manufacturer's or importer's information.

Consumers can access the latest "Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies" via the DTI's official website or through its social media channels for updates and information.