The inflation in Biliran Province decelerated by 5.8 percent in December 2022, from 6.2 percent in November 2022. It is ranked sixth among the highest recorded inflation since January 2022. Meanwhile, the inflation in December 2021 was lower at 2.6 percent and the average inflation for the year stood at 5.7 percent. (Table 1 and Figure 1). 

This decrease resulted from the slower annual upticks in the index of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 8.9 percent and transport at 12.6 percent. 

Meanwhile, higher annual increments were observed in the indices of the following commodity groups as compared with their previous month’s inflation rates: 

     a. Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, 5.6 percent; 
     b. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 5.6 percent; 
     c. Clothing and footwear, 3.5 percent; 
     d. Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 1.3 percent; 
     e. Health, 1.4 percent; 
     f. Recreation, Sport and Culture, 1.0 percent; and 
    g. Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services, 1.4 percent. 

The rest of the commodity groups either retained their previous month’s inflation rates or had zero percent annual growth. 

The food index increased by 5.8 percent in December 2022, from 4.9 percent in the previous month. In December 2021, the food index was lower by 0.9 percent.

The following food groups exhibited higher annual increments during the month:

     a. Flour, Bread and Other Bakery Products, Pasta Products, and Other Cereals, 3.2 percent; 
     b. Fish and other seafood, 1.3 percent; 
     c. Milk, other dairy products and eggs, 1.7 percent; 
     d. Oils and fats, 3.4 percent; 
     e. Fruits and nuts, 5.9 percent; 
     f. Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses, 8.7 percent; 
    g. Sugar, confectionery and desserts, 34.0 percent; and 
    h. Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c., 2.7 percent. 

On the other hand, lower annual upticks were observed in the index of Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals at 17.8 percent.

The indices of rice and corn had sustained their previous inflation rates at 2.6 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively.

SGD. RENAVIL V. CUEVA 
Chief Statistical Specialist