In challenging times marked by fluctuating global oil prices, the residents of Baguio City can breathe a little easier when it comes to their staple food: rice. The local market rice retailers’ association has stepped up, assuring the community of stable supply and prices, despite the ripple effects of increasing fuel costs.
John Paul Peralta, spokesperson for the Baguio City market rice retailers’ association, highlighted their proactive approach. Retailers are strategically purchasing larger stocks when prices are favorable, anticipating future increases. This foresight allows them to maintain current pricing for longer periods, cushioning consumers from immediate price hikes driven by fuel costs. "If we get a good price and we hear that it will increase, we also purchase more so that we have stocks at old prices and we don’t increase our prices as soon as gas prices increase. This will also ensure that we have supplies to sell to the residents of Baguio," Peralta explained.
Beyond bulk purchasing, many retailers are demonstrating remarkable community spirit by selling their goods at break-even prices or with minimal profit margins, prioritizing accessibility over their usual markups. This commitment is crucial as rice prices for 25-kilogram bags have seen increases of P100 to P300 since late February. Currently, regular milled rice ranges from P46 to P52 per kilo, well-milled rice from P54 to P58 per kilo, and imported rice from P60 to P65 per kilo. Most of the city’s rice supply comes from the fertile plains of Cagayan Valley, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and parts of Pangasinan.
Peralta also lauded the government’s P20 per kilo rice program, calling it a significant relief for vulnerable families. Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) plays an active role in ensuring fair trade, with personnel conducting daily price and quality checks, sometimes accompanied by the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD), to prevent overpricing.
Supporting Baguio’s Jeepney Drivers
In a related effort to mitigate the impact of the crisis, the Baguio City government recently extended a lifeline to its public transportation sector. On Wednesday, March 25, 1,912 jeepney drivers received a P5,000 fuel subsidy each. This aid, totaling P9.8 million, was released through the city’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
In return for the assistance, Mayor Benjamin Magalong made a crucial request: that jeepney drivers adjust their trip schedules, particularly at night, to address passenger complaints about the scarcity of public transport and the resulting long queues. He urged various jeepney associations to coordinate their efforts to ensure availability, especially during peak evening hours.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan confirmed the ongoing distribution of the subsidy until Saturday, March 28. Recipients were required to present their driver’s license, a certificate of residency, certification from their jeepney association, and undergo an interview with social workers to qualify.
Mayor Magalong emphasized the city’s commitment to finding continuous ways to support sectors affected by the crisis, recognizing that the global economy may take three to six months to recover even after the current conflict ends. "Therefore, any opportunities that can be used to reduce the effects of the crisis on people’s lives should be examined and utilized if possible," he stated, underscoring the proactive stance of Baguio City in navigating these challenging times.
Source: Original Article
