SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) – Occidental Mindoro hits a 8.7% inflation rate for February 2023 according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA’s latest regional inflation report on March 13, 2023. This is higher compared to the province's inflation rate of 8.1% for January, 2023.

The province exhibited an inflation rate growth for February 2023 along with three (3) provinces namely: Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, and Romblon. 

According to PSA Regional Director Leni R. Rioflorido, the fast movement in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages is the main reason for the growth of inflation rate in the region, followed by other commodities such as clothing and footwear, and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Rioflorido mentioned that non-alcoholic beverages and food commodities, such as onion, galunggong, eggplant, and cane sugar contributed to the inflation rate of the region with a 56% share.

On the question raised by a participant during the press conference on the possible contribution of the effects of the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro,  Assistant Regional Director Apollo Edwin S. Pagano of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) explained that the oil spill will directly affect the supply of fish as fisherfolks are restricted to fish in the affected areas. Pagano quoted Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor on the possible need of importing fish to mitigate the decrease of supply of fish. Hence, the possible increase of price of the commodity.

On this note, PSA Regional Director clarified that they currently cannot provide a concrete answer on the possible effect of the oil spill on the region’s inflation rate as their office’s collection of data for March inflation rate is on-going.

To fight the effects of the increasing prices brought about by the inflation, Pagano highlighted the need to ensure food security through modernizing agriculture and agribusiness, and providing farm inputs and facilities, such as cold storages, which requires a stable energy source. In connection, he underscored the importance of connecting the region to Luzon's electrical grid to

He also underscored the importance of connectivity between the provinces of MIMAROPA. He mentioned upgrading of ports and roads to improve access of provinces to each other to easily transport services and goods. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA)