Manila, Feb. 10 -- Inflation in Western Visayas accelerated to 3.6 percent in January 2025, up from 3.4 percent in December, making it the third fastest rate among regions outside the National Capital Region (NCR) and surpassing the 2.9 percent national average.

During a briefing on Monday, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Statistical Specialist Miguel Gallego, attributed the increase primarily to the higher inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and restaurant and accommodation services.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw inflation rise from 2.8 percent in December to 3.4 percent in January.

The major sources include cereal and other cereal products with a 3.3 percent inflation rate, meat and other parts of s...