15/10/2026
𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨
From the morning commute to lunch breaks between classes, a school day in Iloilo City comes with expenses that can quickly add up, making every peso of baon count as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise.
Iloilo City’s inflation rate climbed to 7.8 percent in September from 7.6 percent in August, driven primarily by increases in food, transportation, and restaurant and accommodation services, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Iloilo, as reported by Iloilo Metropolitan Times on October 14.
For students who rely on fixed daily allowances, rising prices can make budgeting more challenging, as money intended for meals and transportation may leave less room for school supplies, printed learning materials, and other academic requirements.
Food remains an everyday consideration for students who spend long hours on campus, particularly those who purchase meals between classes instead of eating at home, making affordable food options important when managing limited allowances.
Transportation can add another layer of pressure for students commuting to and from school, as travel expenses compete with the money they need for meals, projects, and other necessities throughout the academic week.
Beyond campus, parents and guardians must also balance educational expenses with groceries, utilities, and other household needs, making the rising cost of living a concern that extends into family budgets and the resources available to support students’ education.
Although the reported inflation rate does not mean that every student’s expenses have increased by the same amount, it highlights the importance of affordability in student life, where pursuing an education also requires managing the everyday costs of getting to class, buying meals, and completing school requirements.
Article by Stavhen Geoles Taaca
Layout by Katherine Caso
