Prices are rising faster for the poorest families in Western Visayas than for everyone else. Inflation among low-income households reached 11.7 percent in September 2026, compared with the region’s overall rate of 9.2 percent, Panay News reported, citing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Inflation is the general rise in prices of goods and services over time. When it goes up, the same peso buys less.
The Poorest Pay More
PSA data released on October 8 showed that inflation for the region’s bottom 30 percent of households by income rose from 10.7 percent in August. It is also higher than the 9 percent national rate for the same income group.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks made up 51.3 percent of the inflation felt by these households, according to the PSA. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and fuel added 2.54 percentage points, and transport added 1.29 points.
Low-income families spend more of their money on basics, so they have less room to cut back when prices jump, the report explained.
Rice Is the Big Driver
Rice inflation climbed to 30 percent in September from 28.3 percent in August, according to the PSA. Cereals, including rice, accounted for 82.2 percent of food inflation in the region.
Other food price changes in September, according to the PSA:
- Fish and seafood: 7.3% (from 4.4%)
- Fruits and nuts: 10.4% (from 6.2%)
- Oils and fats: 11.4% (from 10.8%)
- Milk, dairy, and eggs: 1.6% (eased from 2.2%)
- Vegetables and pulses: -0.5% (slightly cheaper than a year ago)
- Meat: -4.9% (still cheaper than a year ago)
A Big Jump in One Year
Western Visayas’ overall inflation rose to 9.2 percent in September from 8.4 percent in August. That is two percentage points above the national rate of 7.2 percent, according to the PSA. A year ago, in September 2025, the region’s inflation was only 0.2 percent.
Transport inflation reached 17 percent, and restaurants and accommodation hit 14.9 percent. Education services stayed at 11.1 percent.
Province by Province
All provinces and Iloilo City saw faster inflation except Guimaras, the PSA said:
- Aklan: 11.6%
- Antique: 11.1%
- Iloilo province: 10.4%
- Iloilo City: 7.8%
- Capiz: 5.1%
- Guimaras: 4.9% (unchanged)
For January to September 2026, the region’s average inflation was 6 percent, higher than the national average of 5.4 percent.
Why It Matters
A 9.2 percent rate does not mean every price rose by 9.2 percent. But it shows a broad rise in living costs compared with last year, Panay News noted.
The higher rate for the poorest families shows that those with the least money are under the most pressure. With food, utilities, and transport leading the increases, rising prices could leave less for health care and school costs.
