The News Conference/Data Dissemination on the December 2022 inflation situation in SOCCSKSARGEN Region was conducted last 23 January 2023 via Zoom meeting platform. The activity was spearheaded by Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD), under the guidance of Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, CESO V, Regional Director. The head of the Price Statistics Division of PSA Central Office, Mr. Glen Polo, also gave assistance by explaining some concepts and definitions relative to the matter.

           RD Manulon presented the inflation situation in the region for December 2022. According to him, the overall inflation rate of SOCCSKSARGEN Region  in December 2022 was estimated at 7.1 percent. Inflation rate is computed based on the Consumer Price Index or the CPI. The CPI measures the change in the average retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by households relative to a base year which is 2018. The  top 3 main sources of acceleration in the Dec 2022 inflation were; 1)Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; 2)Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services; and 3)Health. On the other hand, the top 3 contributors to the 7.1 percent December 2022 inflation rate were; 1)Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages; 2)Transport; and 3)Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels.

           The activity was highlighted by two discussants from Department of Agriculture 12, Ms. Nely E.  Ylanan, Project Evaluation Officer V, and Department of Trade and Industry 12, Ms. Aiza Marie P. Bercades, Planning Officer. They presented their agency’s plans and programs/activities to mitigate the rising price inflation of major commodities in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

           The activity was participated by various regional line agencies, academe, LGUs, and private sector.