Parents preparing for the opening of classes on June 8 will face higher prices for a significant portion of school supplies, with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reporting that nearly one-third of monitored items cost more than they did a year ago.
The DTI’s annual price guide for School Year 2026-2027 showed that 47 of 143 stock-keeping units (SKUs) posted price increases, while most products retained their previous prices and a handful registered lower prices.
Paper-based products accounted for more than half of the increases.
Twenty-five notebook and pad paper items recorded higher prices, reflecting persistent cost pressures in the paper segment amid elevated raw material and production expenses.
Based on the guide, 80-leaf notebooks now range from P13 to P52, while spiral notebooks sell for P14 to P49. Grade pad paper costs between P13 and P37 per pack, and intermediate pads range from P22 to nearly P70.
Prices of other classroom staples remain relatively affordable, with pencils ranging from P12 to P18 each, ballpens from P3 to P21, crayons from P12 to P114 per box, and erasers from P8 to P20.
The DTI said the guide is intended to help parents and students compare prices and make informed purchasing decisions as demand for school supplies accelerates ahead of the new academic year.
Beyond price considerations, the agency urged consumers to scrutinize product labels to ensure quality and compliance with safety standards.
Pad paper should indicate page count, paper type, manufacturer details, and country of origin.
Crayons must carry a “non-toxic” label and manufacturer information, while pencils should identify their hardness grade and origin.
The latest price guide suggests that while inflationary pressures on school supplies have eased compared with previous years, families may still need to spend more on paper products, a key component of back-to-school shopping baskets.
