Post-Holy Week Price Relief Hits Davao Market as Supply Normalizes
Following the Holy Week holiday, prices of basic commodities at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City have shown a notable easing trend, according to vendors. This stabilization comes after earlier increases driven by higher fuel costs and delivery constraints, with improved supply and normalized deliveries now bringing relief to consumers.
Vegetable Prices Lead the Decline
Vegetable vendors reported a significant drop in prices after Holy Week, reversing pre-holiday spikes. Angel-lou B. Manib, a 21-year-old vegetable vendor, explained that prices rose before Holy Week but fell afterward as supply normalized. "Prices increased before Holy Week by around ₱50, and after Holy Week they decreased by about ₱20," she said. Manib noted that demand remained steady despite the higher prices, as buyers stocked up ahead of Good Friday when some stores closed.
Specific price changes included eggplant dropping to ₱20 to ₱30 per kilo from ₱70 to ₱80 before the holiday. Other vegetables saw varied pricing: okra sold at ₱60 per kilo, pechay ranged from ₱25 to ₱35, and squash at ₱27. Bitter gourd prices remained stable, while potatoes ranged from ₱75 to ₱100, carrots reached ₱130, and cabbage sold at ₱45 per kilo.
Rice and Meat Prices Show Mixed Trends
Rice prices also declined slightly due to an ample supply. Jomar, a 22-year-old rice vendor, stated that prices fell by about ₱10 per kilo. "Rice prices went down after Holy Week because supply remained high, with about a ₱10 decrease from the previous ₱60 to ₱50 range," he said. Red rice sold at ₱65 per kilo, while glutinous rice (malagkit) was priced at ₱50. Brown sugar is sold at ₱70 per kilo, and refined white sugar at ₱80 per kilo.
Meat prices remained generally stable but dipped temporarily during Holy Week as many consumers abstained from eating meat. Anamishi Gatu, a 25-year-old meat vendor, explained that prices dropped by about ₱20 during the Lenten period before returning to normal. "In our business, there were no major price changes, but during Holy Week prices decreased by around ₱20 and then returned to normal afterward," she said.
Fish and Egg Prices Reflect Minimal Fluctuations
Fish prices showed minor fluctuations but stayed relatively stable overall. Vendor Lyneth Panes, 53, noted that prices rose before and during Holy Week before easing after. "We were really affected. Prices increased by around ₱50, then rose another ₱20 during Holy Week, but afterward decreased again by ₱20," she said. Egg prices remained stable throughout the period, reflecting steady supply.
Consumer Perspectives on Price Changes
Consumers expressed mixed reactions to the price trends. Gemma Elcana, 65, from Bangkal, said prices dropped after Holy Week and expressed hope they would remain stable. She attributed recent increases to high fuel costs in previous weeks. However, some buyers, like Nathaniel Bisnar, 16, from Tinago, noted that earlier price hikes strained household budgets, with rising costs of goods and transportation making daily expenses more difficult.
Lay Lavador, 16, linked meat price increases to global factors, including tensions in the Middle East that may have influenced market costs. Meanwhile, April Jane Fernandez, 32, from Obrero, said rising oil prices tightened their household budget but observed little difference in prices during and after Holy Week.
Vendors Optimistic About Future Stability
Vendors highlighted that improved supply after the holiday helped stabilize and reduce prices. They added that steady supply and lower transport costs could help maintain current price levels in the coming weeks. This positive outlook suggests a potential easing of inflationary pressures in the local market, offering a respite for both sellers and buyers in Davao City.
