Inflation rate in Western Visayas slowed to 2.7 percent in February, down from 3.6 percent in the previous month, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Despite the decline, the region still recorded the second-highest inflation rate in the country, tied with the Bicol Region.

In a press conference yesterday, PSA Statistical Specialist II Miguel Gallego I, attributed the deceleration to slower price increases in key sectors, particularly food and non-alcoholic beverages, which saw inflation drop from 3.4 percent to 2.4 percent.

Other contributing factors include housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (from 3.6 percent to 2.9 percent) and restaurants and accommodation services (from six percent to 3.9 percent).

“Of the 13 major commodity groups, seven groups recorded lower or slower inflation rates in February 2025,” Gallego said.

The four others included personal care, miscellaneous goods and services; clothing and footwear; transport; and information and communication.

On the other hand, higher inflation rates were recorded in alcoholic beverages and tobacco; furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance; and recreation, sport, and culture. Education and financial services remained stable at 8.1 percent and zero percent, respectively.

The region’s inflation rate has shown fluctuations in recent months, recording 3.9 percent in October 2024, 3.2 percent in November, and 3.4 percent in December.

“There are factors we cannot fully forecast, but food prices played a major role in the decline, contributing 52 percent to the overall inflation,” Gallego noted.

A big drop was noted in the fish and other seafood subgroup, from 0.9 percent in January to -0.3 percent in February.

Among the provinces in Western Visayas, Iloilo recorded the highest inflation rate at 4.5 percent, though it declined from 5.4 percent in January.

Meanwhile, Antique posted the lowest inflation rate at zero percent.

For highly urbanized cities, Iloilo City’s inflation rate slowed to 3.7 percent, while Bacolod City remained unchanged at 3.3 percent. (PNA)