The inflation in Biliran Province decreased by 3.3 percent in April 2023, from 3.5 percent in March 2023. It is the second highest recorded inflation rate since January 2023. Meanwhile, the inflation in April 2022 was higher at 3.7 percent (Table 1 and Figure 1).

The decrease resulted from the lower annual upticks in the index of the transport group at 2.1 percent. In addition, the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels recorded a deflation of 0.4 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, 5.4 percent;
     b. Clothing and footwear, 3.8 percent;
     c. Health, 2.0 percent; and
     d. Recreation, sport and culture, 1.5 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 5.6 percent in April 2023, from 4.5 percent in the previous month. In April 2022, the food index was slower by 0.3 percent.

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

      a. Rice, 2.9 percent;
      b. Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals, 0.6 percent;
      c. Fish and other seafood, 8.8 percent;
      d. Milk, other dairy products and eggs, 3.0 percent;
      e. Fruits and nuts, 8.3 percent; and
      f. Sugar, confectionery and desserts, 32.1 percent

On the other hand, lower annual upticks were observed in following indices:

      a. Corn, 6.2 percent;
      b. Flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals, 4.1 percent;
      c. Oils and fats, 6.1 percent;
      d. Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses, 9.6 percent; and
      e. Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c., 4.3 percent

SGD. RENAVIL V. CUEVA
Chief Statistical Specialist