There will be an increase in prices of processed meat, particularly ham during the Christmas season, the Department of Trade and Industry, or DTI, said on Monday.

In an interview over state-run PTV 4, DTI's Consumer Protection Group officer-in-charge, Assistant Secretary Mary Jean Pacheco said some brands of ham will increase at least 4 percent.

Pacheco said the DTI will meet with Noche Buena food manufacturers to consult them on prices.

Pacheco then urged consumers to choose brands of hams that are fit for their budgets, as not all ham varieties are increasing prices.

"There are 30 classes of hams in the market, based on our monitoring. The sizes and weight also vary, so, just buy the ham that fits your budget and the number of household members," according to Pacheco.

Backpedaling vow

Last month, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said some food manufacturers had inhibited from requesting price adjustments until the end of the year, hoping that other manufacturers will follow suit.

He said the products that will not have price increases until December this year are bottled water, candles, condiments, bread and toilet soap.