Inflation rate in the province of Antique decreased to 5.3 percent in August 2024, from 6.2 percent in July 2024. The recorded inflation rate in August 2023 was lower at 4.9 percent. 

The August 2024 provincial inflation rate was higher as compared to the national and regional inflation rates. The inflation rate in the Philippines decreased to 3.3 percent in August 2024, from 4.4 percent in July 2024. The national inflation rate in August 2023 was recorded at 5.3 percent. Further, the inflation rate of Western Visayas stays at 4.8 percent in August 2024, from 4.8 percent in July 2024. The regional inflation rate in July 2023 was recorded at 6.1 percent. 

The decrease in the province’s inflation in August 2024 was mainly influence by the slower annual increase in the indices of Food and non-alcoholic beverages at 6.9 percent in August 2024, from 8.2 percent in July 2024; Transport at 0.6 percent in August 2024, from 3.7 percent in July 2024; and Restaurants and accommodation service at 3.6 percent in August 2024, from 5.6 percent in July 2024. 

 
Further, slower annual increments were also observed for the following commodity groups:

a.    Clothing and footwear, 1.7 percent;
b.    Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 1.4 percent;
c.    Health, 3.1 percent;
d.    Recreation, sport and culture, 5.1 percent; and, 
e.    Education services, -2.0 percent.

Moreover, the indices for the following commodity groups, showed no changes from its last month’s inflation rate:

a.    Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, 7.4 percent;
b.    Information and communication, 0.2 percent;
c.    Financial services, -0.1 percent; and,
d.    Personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services, 3.5 percent.

However, only the index for Alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased to 2.1 percent in August 2024, from 2.1 percent in July 2024.

The recorded food inflation of Antique rate decreased to 7.3 percent in August 2024, from 8.7 percent in July 2024. The food commodity group with the highest share to the food inflation trend was Cereals and cereal products at 17.9 percent in August 2024, from 19.9 percent in July 2024.

Further, slower annual increments were also observed for the following food commodity groups:

a.    Meat and other parts of slaughtered animals, 16.1 percent;
b.    Fish and other seafood, -8.6 percent;
c.    Milk, other dairy product and eggs, 4.3 percent; and,
d.    Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c., 4.1 percent.

Moreover, higher annual increments were recorded for the following food commodity groups:

a.    Fruits and nuts, 12.1 percent;
b.    Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses, -0.3 percent; and,
c.    Sugar, confectionery and desserts, -1.4 percent.

However, the index for Oils and fats stayed at 2.2 percent in August 2024.
 

RANDY M. TACOGDOY, DPA
Chief Statistical Specialist
Antique Provincial Statistical Office