By Sarwell Meniano

TACLOBAN CITY – Inflation in Eastern Visayas eased to 8.2 percent in May 2026 from 8.5 percent in April even as rice prices continued to accelerate, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) regional office reported Monday.

PSA attributed the slight slowdown primarily to movements in food prices, but the region’s overall inflation remained elevated due to faster increases in rice prices, which accelerated to 17.8 percent in May from 13.3 percent in April.

Higher inflation rates were also recorded for oils and fats, corn, bakery products, pasta, and other cereals. Lower inflation rates were observed in fish and other seafood; milk, dairy products and eggs; fruits and nuts; vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses; and ready-made food.

“The inflation rate in Eastern Visayas eased to 8.2 percent in May 2026 from 8.5 percent in April. This means that prices of goods and services in the region continued to increase but at a slower rate compared with the previous month,” PSA said.

Despite the slowdown, the region’s inflation rate remained higher than the national average of 6.8 percent.

Among the region’s six provinces, Samar and Southern Leyte posted higher inflation rates. Samar inched up to 13.6 percent from 13.5 percent, while Southern Leyte rose to 8.5 percent from 8.2 percent.

The remaining provinces recorded lower inflation: Eastern Samar at 7.3 percent (down from 9 percent), Leyte at 6.4 percent (from 6.5 percent), and Northern Samar at 7.6 percent (from 8.7 percent). In Tacloban City, inflation eased to 5.6 percent from 5.9 percent.

PSA said inflation refers to the year-on-year rate of change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures how quickly prices rise. Lower inflation does not mean prices are falling, but they are increasing at a slower pace. (PNA)

Published Date: June 16, 2026