MALASIQUI: Inflation rate in the Ilocos Region decelerated anew in December 2023 to 2.3 percent from month-ago's 2.9 percent, due mainly to slower upticks in the food and alcoholic beverages. In a statement Monday, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Ilocos regional director Sheila de Guzman said other contributors to the slower inflation rate last December include lower housing, water, electric, gas, and other fuels index; furnishings; household equipment and routine household maintenance; health; and recreation, sport, and culture. Average inflation in the region for 2023 stood at 5.1 percent, lower than the national average of 6 percent and the 8.2 percent in 2022. De Guzman said the food index in the region slowed to 5.7 percent last December from the previous month's 7.5 percent. The level a year ago is nearly twice at 10.2 percent. Upticks were, in turn, registered by the alcoholic beverages and tobacco, transport, and personal care and miscellaneous goods and services, she said. Among the provin ces in the region, La Union posted the highest inflation last December at 4.1 percent inflation and was followed by Pangasinan, 2.7 percent; and Ilocos Norte, 1.2 percent. Ilocos Sur, meanwhile, posted a -1.6 percent inflation. Source: Philippines News Agency