The inflation in Biliran Province declined by 2.2 percent in May 2023, from 3.3 percent in April 2023. It is the second lowest recorded inflation rate since January 2023. Meanwhile, the inflation in May 2022 was higher at 5.0 percent (Table 1 and Figure 1). 

The decrease resulted from the lower annual upticks in the indices of the following commodity groups as compared with their previous month’s inflation rates:

     a. Food and non-alcoholic beverages, 4.3 percent; 
     b. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 5.2 percent; 
     c. Clothing and footwear, 3.5 percent; 
     d. Health, 1.8 percent; 
     e. Information and communication, 1.1 percent; and 
     f. Recreation, sport and culture, 1.0 percent

The group of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, and the transport reported a deflation of 1.6 percent and 0.5 percent in May 2023, respectively. 

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

The food index decreased by 4.4 percent in May 2023, from 5.6 percent in the previous month. In May 2022, the food index was slower by 3.3 percent.

The following food groups exhibited lower annual upticks during the month:

     a. Rice, 2.1 percent; 
     b. Corn, 4.6 percent; 
     c. Flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals, 4.0 percent; 
     d. Fish and other seafood, 4.7 percent; 
     e. Milk, other dairy products and eggs, 2.6 percent; 
     f. Oils and fats, 6.0 percent; 
     g. Fruits and nuts, 4.6 percent; 
     h. Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses, 9.2 percent; 
     i. Sugar, confectionery and desserts, 29.5 percent; and 
     j. Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c., 4.2 percent

On the other hand, higher annual increment was observed in the index of meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals by 2.2 percent.

SGD. RENAVIL V. CUEVA
Chief Statistical Specialist