Inflation in Bacolod, Negros Occidental Slows in June 2025

Headline inflation in both Bacolod City and Negros Occidental eased significantly in June 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), offering relief to consumers after months of price increases in essential goods and services.

In Negros Occidental, inflation dropped to 1.2% in June from 2.4% in May, far lower than the 4.5% recorded in June 2024.

In Bacolod City, inflation fell more sharply to 0.5% in June from 2.4% in May, and was well below the 6.1% recorded in the same month last year.

“This slowdown in inflation offers a temporary reprieve for households, especially those managing tight budgets,” said Diesah S. Biaoco, Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge at PSA Negros Occidental.

In Negros Occidental, the main sources of the inflation decline were Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, which saw inflation cool from 4.2% to 1.1%; Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, which dropped to 6.8% from 7.1%; and Education Services, which climbed to 21.5% but were still cited as contributing to overall moderation.

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which carry the largest weight in household expenses, recorded 0.0% inflation, compared to 1.5% the month prior, helping to significantly ease cost pressures on everyday spending.

In Bacolod City, inflation was brought down by sharp declines in Housing and Utilities, which dropped to -4.7% from 1.8%, and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which saw deflation at -0.5%, a major improvement from 1.5% in May.

Education-related inflation in Bacolod increased to 17.3% from 14.9%, but this was offset by softening prices in other areas such as Clothing and Footwear, Furnishings, and Recreation.

This regional slowdown mirrors national trends, with the Philippines’ headline inflation remaining subdued at 1.4% in June from 1.3% in May, reflecting easing prices across food, fuel, and essential goods.

The PSA emphasized that despite gains in price stability, continued vigilance is needed, especially with school openings, fuel price swings, and typhoon season likely to impact future inflation dynamics.

For ordinary residents, this easing of inflation means slower increases—or even reductions—in the cost of rice, electricity, transport, and basic goods, which have a direct impact on day-to-day budgets.

“This helps us save a bit more, especially when kids go back to school and bills pile up,” said Marites, a sari-sari store owner in Silay City, who noted that lower electricity and rice costs this month allowed her to stretch her earnings.

However, some families remain cautious as education costs continued to climb, and fuel prices remain unpredictable due to global market volatility.

Declining inflation rates, if sustained, could support lower interest rates, improved consumer confidence, and better household purchasing power in the second half of 2025.