Joselito Malig

Back-to-school shoppers flock to Divisoria for affordable school supplies

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — With only a few days left before the opening of classes, shoppers have begun flocking to Divisoria in Manila in search of affordable school supplies and other back-to-school essentials.Despite intermittent rains, families continued their shopping spree in the popular commercial district, known for offering budget-friendly products for students preparing to return to school next week.Notebooks remain among the most sought-after items, selling for as low as ₱20 each or ₱180 per bundle of 10 pieces. Ballpens and pencils are priced between ₱10 and ₱12 each, while crayons range from ₱65 to ₱95 depending on the number of pieces included.Pad papers are being sold for ₱25 to ₱50, depending on size, while Pentel pens cost around ₱40 each. Pencil cases are priced between ₱100 and ₱150, depending on their design.School shoes are also among the top items on parents’ shopping lists. In Divisoria, some pairs are available for as low as ₱150. Bags and lunch boxes, meanwhile, range from ₱400 to ₱680 depending on their size and design.The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted inspections of several stores in Divisoria on Thursday and reported that most retailers have maintained their prices despite the approaching school opening.Vendors also noted that notebooks have become more affordable compared to last year due to lower supplier prices.One shopper, Eric Valderrama, said he was pleased to find reasonably priced school supplies as he was working within a ₱1,000 budget.“Magkano ang budget, isang libo notebook ballpen, papel, ano pa ang kulang? marami pa po.”Vendor Edralyn Cris said they are still expecting a larger influx of customers once students receive their official school supply lists.“Hindi pa rin po masyado baka sa Monday pa po yan kapag may listahan na po ang mga estudyante. Mas bumaba po ang notebook kung ikukumpara noong nakaraang taon. Dati 250 ang bentahan per bundle, ngayong 180 nalang.”She also explained the reason behind the price drop, “Mas binagsak ang presyo nila [suppliers],”she said.Another vendor, Jinkey Dollente, said the rainy weather has not discouraged shoppers from coming to Divisoria.“Kahit umuulan dumadagsa po sila, best seller ang notebook at crayons! punta na kayo dito sa Ilaya divisoria!” she said.The DTI reminded consumers to be vigilant when purchasing school supplies and encouraged the public to check the agency’s website for the suggested retail prices of school-related products.With classes set to begin soon, vendors are expecting even more shoppers to visit Divisoria over the weekend.

With only a few days left before the opening of classes, shoppers have begun flocking to Divisoria in Manila in search of affordable school supplies and other back-to-school essentials.

With only a few days left before the opening of classes, shoppers have begun flocking to Divisoria in Manila in search of affordable school supplies and other back-to-school essentials.