ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- Romblon Province saw a deceleration in its year-on-year inflation rate, dropping to 6.7 percent in January 2024 from the previous month's 8.1 percent, according to Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA) - Romblon chief statistical specialist Engr. Johnny Solis.

During a press conference held on Friday, Solis noted that several commodity groups experienced a decrease in prices last month.

However, despite the overall slowdown, the inflation rate for rice in the province increased to 15.2 percent, up from 12.6 percent in December last year.

Solis attributed this rise to the effect of price increments of imported rice from other provinces.

In a separate interview, Engr. Al Feralver, the province's agriculturist, disclosed that the provincial government has established a task force to prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño. He emphasized that their concerns extend beyond rice, encompassing other agricultural products and sectors, including fisheries. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)