CAGAYAN de Oro City — Camiguin still has the lowest inflation rate in Northern Mindanao, but prices on the island picked up pace in July.
The province recorded 4% inflation in July, the lowest among Region 10 provinces and cities, based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
But unlike the region’s overall trend, Camiguin’s inflation increased from 3.1% in June to 4% in July.
Northern Mindanao’s overall inflation, meanwhile, eased from 7% in June to 6.4% in July.
Still the lowest in the region
Despite the increase, Camiguin remained well below the inflation rates recorded elsewhere in Northern Mindanao.
Lanao del Norte posted the highest inflation at 8.3%, followed by Iligan City at 7.9%, Bukidnon at 6.8%, Misamis Occidental at 6.5%, and Misamis Oriental at 6.1%.
Cagayan de Oro City recorded 4.8%.
For Camiguin households, the 4% rate means prices are rising more slowly than in most parts of the region—but the July increase shows that price pressures are beginning to build again.
The development is particularly important for an island province where many consumer goods are brought in from mainland markets, making transportation and supply costs a key factor to watch.
What it means for consumers
Camiguin’s latest figures offer a mixed picture.
The province remains the least inflation-hit area in Region 10, but the faster pace of price increases means consumers cannot assume that prices will continue to remain as stable as they were in previous months.
For families and businesses, the key question now is whether Camiguin’s inflation will stabilize or continue climbing in the coming months.
EDITOR’S ANGLE:
Camiguin remains Region 10’s lowest-inflation area, but its sharp July increase signals that island consumers are beginning to feel renewed price pressure. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
