Back to school: Mandaue parents navigate costs of supporting kids

MANDAUE CITY — Prices of school uniforms and school supplies in Mandaue City have remained steady as parents continue preparations for the opening of classes on Monday, June 8.

Michelle Abatayo said her family has been securing the needs of her child who will enter kindergarten, including uniforms, shoes, a school bag, and other classroom essentials.

Abatayo bought a set of uniforms worth ₱400 for her child at a store in the Mandaue City Public Market. She only purchased one set since they still have an older one from an elder among her children.

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“Medyo nimahal siya karon, sa una naa ra ni sa mga kapin ₱300, sagdi lang kinahanglan man. Mas maayo gyud nga mapangandam lang daan para ig sugod sa klase, dili siya makakuan sa iya classmate nga siya walay [gamit],” said Abatayo.

(The prices have risen this time. Before, this cost around ₱300. But it does not matter. My child needs it. It is always best to be prepared so that when classes start, she will not feel upon seeing her classmates that she has nothing.)

‘Slightly costlier’

School uniform vendor Lynlyn Perez said prices are almost the same as last year, with only a slight increase of ₱10 to ₱20 depending on the fabric and design due to higher supplier costs.

She said sets for elementary students range from ₱300 to ₱450, while high school sets range from ₱580 to P600.

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“Naay gamay [increase] Magdepende man gud sa size, klase sa panapton sama sa peach twill,” said Perez.

(There is a small increase. This depends on the uniform’s size, it’s fabric, such as peach twill.)

School supply prices stable?

At a school supplies store near the Mandaue City Public Market, vendor Virgie Estoy said princes have not changed since the previous year.

She said most basic school items such as notebooks, pens, paper, and other classroom materials cost the same, with no noticeable price increase this season.

The store also noted that some items even sell for less now. In particular, 80-leaf notebooks are now priced at ₱13, compared to the previous ₱18, making them more affordable for buyers.

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