TRADE Secretary Maria Cristina Roque said prices of school supplies are lower this year due to ample supply in the market.

Roque said store owners in Divisoria reported a decline in the prices of school supplies ahead of the opening of classes.

“In Divisoria, nakita namin na talagang bumaba ang presyo ng school supplies. Nakausap namin ang mga store owner at sinabi nila na mababa ang presyo ng school supplies ngayon. Bumaba ang presyo ng school supplies dahil marami rin silang supply ngayon,” Roque said.

She added that prices being offered by retailers are even lower than those indicated in the Department of Trade and Industry’s suggested price guide.

“Nagbigay kami ng price guide, pero mas mababa pa talaga ang presyo nila,” she said.

Classes for School Year 2026-2027 in public schools are set to begin on June 8, 2026.