DTI Back-to-School 2025 Price Guide: 7 Crucial Shopping Tips To Save Money Now

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has released its highly anticipated "Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies" (Guide to Buying School Supplies) for the upcoming School Year (SY) 2025-2026. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the DTI continues its rigorous price monitoring efforts to ensure affordability and price stability for budget-conscious parents preparing for the June 2025 class opening. This year’s guide is a critical resource, covering a massive list of 195 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) across 12 essential product categories, providing a clear benchmark for consumers navigating the back-to-school rush.

The good news for Filipino families is that the DTI's latest review shows a significant effort to maintain price stability. While 17 SKUs have reflected price increases, a total of 29 essential school items are now cheaper compared to the previous year, and 101 items have maintained their prices, demonstrating the agency's commitment to consumer protection. This detailed guide is the ultimate tool for smart shopping, helping parents stretch their budget without compromising on quality or necessary materials.

The DTI's 2025 School Supplies Price Guide: What’s Cheaper and What’s Stable

The DTI’s price guide is not a mandatory Suggested Retail Price (SRP) list, as school supplies are not classified as basic commodities. Instead, it serves as a non-binding benchmark, a crucial reference point that empowers consumers to make informed choices and compare prices effectively across various retailers, from major bookstores to local sari-sari stores. The DTI’s active price monitoring ensures that retailers adhere to fair pricing practices.

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The "Gabay sa Pamimili" covers all the essentials needed for students from elementary to high school. The 12 major categories include core items such as notebooks, pad paper, pencils, ballpens, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers. The DTI has specifically highlighted the price ranges for some of the most frequently purchased items, giving parents a clear expectation of the cost before they even step into a store.

Key Price Benchmarks for SY 2025-2026

Understanding the price floor and ceiling for common items is the first step to smart back-to-school shopping. The DTI’s monitoring has provided the following price ranges, which reflect the variations between different brands and qualities:

• Pens/Ballpens: Prices start as low as P3.00 and can go up to P33.00, depending on the brand and features (e.g., gel pens vs. standard ballpoint).
• Pencils: Standard pencils remain highly affordable, with minimal price movement.
• Erasers: A basic eraser can be purchased for P4.50, with higher-quality or specialty erasers reaching up to P20.00.
• Sharpeners: Manual sharpeners are priced between P15.00 and P69.00, reflecting the difference between simple plastic models and more durable metal or canister types.
• Notebooks (Composition/Spiral): Prices for notebooks are generally stable, with the DTI reporting that many SKUs in this category have maintained their previous year’s pricing.
• Crayons and Coloring Materials: These supplies, essential for younger students, are also included in the guide, with DTI urging consumers to check the number of colors and quality against the price.

The report that 29 items are now cheaper is a significant win for consumers grappling with inflation. The DTI attributes this to increased competition among suppliers and the effectiveness of their consistent price monitoring across major retail hubs, including popular shopping destinations like Divisoria, where prices were found to be within the benchmark.

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7 Crucial DTI-Approved Tips for Budget-Conscious School Supply Shopping

The DTI does more than just publish a price list; it actively promotes consumer education and smart shopping strategies. For parents preparing for the SY 2025-2026 opening on June 16, 2025, following these DTI-endorsed consumer advisories can lead to substantial savings and a less stressful experience.

1. Always Consult the "Gabay sa Pamimili" First

Before leaving the house, download or print the latest DTI price guide. This is your primary defense against overpricing. Knowing the maximum and minimum price for an item like a pad paper or a box of crayons allows you to quickly identify retailers who are charging excessive prices. The full list of suggested retail prices is readily available to both consumers and retailers.

2. Prioritize Quality Over Brand Name

The DTI’s guide includes a wide range of products, from no-name brands to established ones. Often, the price difference for items like pencils or erasers is minimal, but for high-volume items like notebooks or backpacks, choosing a lesser-known but quality-assured brand can result in significant savings. Focus on the durability and functionality required by the student, not just the marketing. This is a core part of being a savvy consumer.

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3. Check for the Philippine Standard (PS) Mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker

This is a critical safety and quality assurance tip. The DTI urges consumers to look for the PS mark or the ICC sticker, especially on items like electrical devices (e.g., calculators, extension cords) or certain art materials. These marks certify that the product has passed mandatory quality and safety tests, ensuring the safety of your children while they use the school supplies. This is non-negotiable for consumer protection.

4. Shop Early to Avoid Price Hikes and Crowds

While the DTI monitors prices year-round, shopping closer to the June 2025 school opening date can mean dealing with depleted stocks and potentially higher prices due to demand. The DTI encourages parents to start purchasing non-perishable items like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks well in advance to take advantage of early-bird sales and a wider selection of affordable school items.

5. Compare Prices Across Different Retail Outlets

Do not settle for the first price you see. The DTI’s monitoring covers various outlets, from supermarkets and department stores to specialized school supply stores. A notebook that is P15.00 in one store might be P12.00 in another. Price comparison is key to maximizing your budget. Shopping in bulk at wholesale centers like Divisoria can also yield better deals, provided you stick to the DTI's price benchmarks.

6. Inspect All Items Before Purchase

Before paying, physically inspect the school supplies. Check notebooks for missing pages, pens for functioning ink, and crayons for breakage. This helps avoid the hassle and cost of returning defective products later. The DTI's consumer advisories emphasize the right to quality goods.

7. Know Where to File a Complaint

If you encounter blatant overpricing, defective goods, or misleading sales practices that violate the DTI's fair trade laws, you have the right to file a complaint. The DTI Philippines and DTI Consumer Care hotlines and social media channels are available for reporting such incidents. Being an informed and proactive consumer helps the DTI in its price monitoring efforts and ensures a fairer market for everyone.

Beyond the Price Guide: Understanding DTI's Role in Consumer Welfare

The Department of Trade and Industry's involvement in the back-to-school season goes beyond simply publishing a price list. Their comprehensive approach to consumer welfare is multifaceted, ensuring a safe and fair marketplace for millions of Filipino families. The "Gabay sa Pamimili" is just one component of a larger consumer protection framework.

The DTI’s mandate includes market surveillance, which involves on-site inspections of various retail establishments. This proactive price monitoring is crucial because, while the price guide is non-binding, retailers are still expected to practice ethical pricing and avoid profiteering, especially during high-demand periods like the run-up to the opening of classes in June. The DTI’s presence in the market serves as a deterrent against unfair trade practices.

By providing detailed information on 195 SKUs across 12 product categories, the DTI is effectively educating the public. This transparency allows parents to budget accurately for their children's needs, whether they are purchasing pad paper, art materials, or basic writing instruments. The goal is to ensure that the cost of education remains manageable, allowing students to focus on their studies without the added burden of expensive school supplies. The consistent reporting of price stability—with 101 items being unchanged—is a testament to the DTI's commitment to protecting the purchasing power of the Filipino consumer.