Housing, transport costs lower Bicol Region inflation

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Statistics Authority in Bicol (PSA-5) bared on Tuesday that the inflation rate in Bicol eased slightly to 7.4 percent in May from 7.6 percent in April 2026.

In a press conference, PSA-5 Director Cynthia Perdiz said the main sources of the deceleration in May inflation were housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which accounted for 58.9 percent of total inflation.

"The second is transport with a 37.2 percent share, particularly diesel and gasoline," she said.

Perdiz added that five contributors to May inflation data were rice, restaurants and cafes, rentals, gasoline, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Major commodity groups with lower inflation were clothing and footwear (2.4 from 2.6 in April); housing, water, electricity, gas, and others (9.7 from 11); furnishings and household equipment (4.8 from 4.9); transport (15.8 from 17.9); and information and communication (2.2 from 2.4).

For food groups, higher inflation was recorded for rice, corn, flour, bread, and fruits and nuts, while lower inflation was recorded for fish and other seafood, oils, and fats.

Among provinces, Camarines Norte had the highest inflation rate at 8.6 percent, while Albay and Catanduanes posted the lowest at 6.0 percent.

Camarines Sur and Masbate posted at 8.2 percent, and Sorsogon 6.2 percent. (PNA)

INFLATION TREND. Philippine Statistics Authority-Bicol Director Cynthia Perdiz reports during a press conference in Legazpi City, Albay on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) that the region's inflation rate eased to 7.4 percent in May from 7.6 percent in April. Camarines Norte recorded the highest inflation at 8.6 percent, while Albay and Catanduanes posted the lowest at 6.0 percent. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)