Table A. Year-on-Year Inflation Rates: Philippines, 
MIMAROPA, and Palawan 
All Items, In Percent 
(2018=100)

Palawan

The headline inflation in the province of Palawan slightly increased to 4.1 percent in May 2024, from 4.0 percent in the previous month. In May 2023, inflation rate is higher at 6.5 percent. (Table A and Figure 1).

The uptrend in the provincial inflation during the month was influenced by the higher index for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, posted at 4.8 percent from 4.6 percent in April 2024. This was followed by Transport -0.8 percent from -1.8 percent last month. 

Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routing Household Maintenance, also contributed to the uptrend as it recorded a faster annual increase of 1.8 percent from 1.7 percent in April 2024. Moreover, higher inflation rate was noted on Information and Communication at 0.2 percent from 0.1 last month.

On the other hand, lower inflation rates were observed in the following commodity groups: 

     a. Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco, 3.0 percent from 3.6 percent;
     b. Clothing and Footwear, 1.7 percent from 1.9 percent;
     c. Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, 7.5 percent from 8.0 percent; 
     d. Health, 1.6 percent from 1.8 percent; 
     e. Recreation, Sport, Culture, 6.6 percent from 7.4 percent; and
     f. Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Good and Services, 1.8 percent from 1.9 percent.

Meanwhile, three commodity groups retained their previous month’s inflation rates, namely: Education Services at 7.0 percent; Financial Services at -1.1 percent; and Restaurants and Accommodation Services at 0.5. percent.

Table B. Year-on-Year Inflation Rates in Palawan, 
All Items, In Percent 
(2018=100)

Food index for May 2024 increased to 4.9 percent inflation rate, from 4.8 percent in the previous month. In May 2023, the food index was higher, at 9.6 percent inflation rate, (Table C).

The acceleration in the food inflation for the month was brought about by the higher indices for Fish and Other Seafood, posted at -2.5 percent from -5.5 percent in April 2024; followed by Vegetables, Tubers, Plantains, Cooking Bananas, and Pulses, at 8.3 percent from 5.8 percent; and Oils and Fats, at -3.0 percent from -5.7 percent last month. 

In contrast, lower inflation rates were observed in the following food commodities: 

     a) Cereals and Cereal Products, 10.9 percent from 12.2 percent;
     b) Flour, Bread and other Bakery Products, Pasta Products and other Cereals, 1.5 percent from 3.2 percent;
     c) Meat and Other Parts of Slaughtered Land Animals, 2.6 percent from 2.9 percent;
     d) Milk, Other Dairy Products and Eggs, -0.3 percent from -0.1 percent;
     e) Fruits and Nuts, 3.5 percent from 4.8 percent;
     f) Sugar, Confectionery, and Desserts, -9.4 percent from -8.9 percent; and
     g) Ready-made Food and Other Food Products n.e.c., 2.1 percent from 2.4 percent last month. 

Table C. Year-on-Year Inflation Rates in Palawan, 
By Food Group In Percent 
(2018=100)

Table D. Year-on-Year Inflation Rates in Palawan, 
All Items, In Percent 
January 2021 – May 2024 
(2018=100)

(SGD) MARIA LALAINE M. RODRIGUEZ
Chief Statistical Specialist