By CESAR JOLITO III

Prices of highland vegetables have sharply declined in local markets, offering relief to consumers, while key staples such as rice and sugar recorded slight increases, according to the latest monitoring report from La Carlota City’s public market office.

Data gathered from five market respondents showed a notable drop in the cost of select vegetables sourced from upland farms.

Red and green bell peppers fell to P200 per kilogram from P325 earlier this week, while broccoli and cauliflower decreased to P160 per kilogram from P250, marking the most significant price movements in recent days.

Despite the easing prices of vegetables, rice and sugar posted modest increases.

Regular milled rice rose to P45 per kilogram from P42, while imported special white rice held steady at P57 per kilogram.

Refined sugar is now priced at P83 per kilogram, while brown sugar is at P55.

Palm cooking oil remains at P33 per liter.

Meat and poultry prices remained largely stable.

Beef rump continues to be the most expensive cut at P400 per kilogram, followed by brisket at P360.

Pork cuts such as kasim and liempo are unchanged at P300 per kilogram.

A whole chicken is also steady at P200 per kilogram, while eggs range from P8.50 for small sizes to P11 for jumbo.

Fish prices showed minimal movement, with bangus and galunggong both selling at P240 per kilogram.

Sapsap declined to P340, while medium-sized squid stayed at P360 per kilogram.

Among lowland crops, squash is priced at P52.50 per kilogram, while ampalaya and eggplant remain at P100.

Imported garlic is selling at P140 per kilogram, and red onions increased to P120.

In the fruit section, ripe mangoes are at P160 per kilogram, while calamansi is available at P80./CJ, WDJ