Inflation in the Cordillera region dropped to 1.2 percent in September, down from 3.4 percent in August, reflecting stable prices for food, fuel, and education, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In Baguio City, a major contributor to the slowdown in overall inflation was the decline in inflation for restaurants and hotels, which fell to 4.7 percent in September from 5.4 percent in August.
However, the decrease was tempered by slight increases in inflation for alcoholic beverages and tobacco, internet and telecommunications services, and personal care products.
Mountain Province recorded the highest overall inflation in the region at 3.1 percent, while Ifugao had the lowest at 1.1 percent. Both provinces saw a decline in inflation last month compared to August.
Food inflation in the Cordillera turned negative in September, dropping to -0.3 percent from 4 percent in August. Notably, rice inflation decreased to 10 percent in September, down from 19 percent in August.
Inflation for restaurants and accommodation services also eased, registering 3.3 percent in September, down from 3.7 percent in August.
