4k individuals in Mt. Province affected by fuel price hike receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 4,000 individuals in Bauko, Mountain Province, who have been affected by the fuel price hike due to the Middle East conflict received aid from the GMA Kapuso Foundation. 

According to a "24 Oras" report on Monday, farmers in Bauko have left their cabbages to rot because the cost of harvesting and delivering them to the trading post in La Trinidad, Benguet would be twice as much.

Per Allen Andres, a vegetable farmer, a full tank of fuel for their truck used to cost P4,000, but it has now surged to P10,000. Meanwhile, vegetable prices have plummeted, from P28 to P30 per kilo to only P4 to P7 per kilo. 

"Nagbabakasakali na lang na baka sa susunod na buwan, makatataas. Sabi nga, farmers is the backbone of the nation. Dapat sana mapansin kami ng mga nasa taas," said Allen. 

Marilyn Cawayan's husband has also been unable to deliver vegetables for days due to the price hike on fuel and fertilizer. 

"'Yung pang-i-spray namin sa patatas, ang taas. 'Yung abono, lahat na, wala. Nga-nga, pag-uwi," she said. 

GMA Kapuso Foundation headed to Bauko to distribute food packs to 4,000 affected individuals, including Allen, Marily, and other vegetable farmers. 

Previously, the foundation also helped affected residents in Rizal, including the fisherfolk community, fish vendors, and tricycle drivers. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—CDC, GMA News