MAKATI CITY -- As teachers and learners gear up for the start of another school year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) releases the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin of school supplies to assist the consumers in their purchase of school items. Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, classifies school supplies as Prime Commodities. 

For the past two years, schools across the country have adopted various distance learning modalities to safeguard educators, pupils, and students against the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As the school year 2022-2023 begins this August, the Department commits to continue its support to the Department of Education's (DepEd) Balik Eskwela program by issuing the updated SRP Bulletin for school supplies.  

The price guide includes specific brands of notebooks (composition, spiral, and writing), pad paper (Grades 1-4 and intermediate), pencils, ballpoint pens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.   

This year, notebook prices range from PHP17.50 to PHP36.75, while Grades 1-4 pad paper prices vary from PHP6.50 to PHP24.00. Intermediate pad paper, on the other hand, costs from PHP 22.50 to PHP30.00.  

Prices of writing materials such as pencils and ballpoint pens range from PHP8.25 to PHP13.25, and from PHP4.75 to PHP19.00, respectively. Depending on the brand, consumers may purchase a box of crayons with eight (8) colors for as low as PHP18.00 to as high as PHP24.00. A 12-color pack costs PHP32.00, while the price of a 16-color pack varies from PHP33.75 to PHP44.00. 

Meanwhile, an eraser at small, medium and large sizes, has a price range from PHP8.75 to PHP17.00. Sharpeners and rulers are priced at PHP19.00 – PHP32.00 and PHP13.00 – PHP39.00, respectively. 

“Although some have increased in prices due to the movement of global fuel prices, consumers can save money by purchasing school supplies sold in bundles or promotional packs,” says DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary, Atty. Ruth B. Castelo. 

“The DTI is closely coordinating with the manufacturers of school supplies to ensure reasonableness of prices and the availability of supply in the market,” DTI Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau Director, Atty. M. Marcus N. Valdez II underscores. 

The Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies was published in Philippine Star and People’s Journal last 12 August 2022. The public may access the SRP Bulletin in the DTI Website.  

For consumer-related concerns and queries, you may send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or reach us thru the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline. (DTI)