Inflation in Western Visayas remained steady at 2.7 percent in March, matching the figure recorded in February, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report released on Friday, April 11.

This rate is lower than the 3.1 percent recorded in March 2024.

Despite the slight year-on-year drop, Western Visayas posted the second-highest inflation rate among regions outside the National Capital Region, trailing only Cagayan Valley, which posted 2.9 percent.

Among the highest contributors are the food and non-alcoholic beverages commodity food group with a 40 percent share; housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels with a 25.6 percent share; and restaurants and accommodation services with a 7.7 percent share.

Seven commodity groups also registered slower inflation, while four others posted a higher inflation rate, including food and non-alcoholic beverages; housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels; alcoholic beverages and tobacco; and health.

Gallego said monitoring commodity group movements remains crucial, especially in areas experiencing higher cost-of-living pressures.

All provinces, except Negros Occidental, posted slower inflation compared with last month, but it was noticeable that Iloilo province’s 4.2 percent growth rate remains the highest in the region.

Negros Occidental also saw a rise in inflation, accelerating to 2.8 percent from two percent in February.

In contrast, Antique remained the lowest with a flat or zero percent inflation rate.

Iloilo City and Bacolod City also posted higher inflation rates at 3.9 percent from 3.5 percent, and 3. 5 percent from 3.3 percent, respectively. (PNA)