8k individuals in Masbate, Limasawa Island hit by fuel price hikes receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 8,000 individuals in Masbate and Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte, who were affected by fuel price hikes—including members of the fisherfolk community—have received assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation through its Operation Bayanihan project.

According to "24 Oras" Monday, among the beneficiaries were fishermen Pantaleon Igloso in Masbate and Mark Marqueda of Limasawa Island.

Igloso shared that it has been difficult to go out to sea due to the fuel price hikes and the inclement weather. He works part-time as a construction worker to make ends meet and support his five children.

"Yung pagpunta namin sa laot, eh sigurado naman 'yun magastos kasi ang problema naman namin 'yung huli, hindi sigurado. Hindi talaga maiwasan magkautang sa mga kapitbahay," he said

Meanwhile, Marqueda said that fuel has become expensive in their area, with gasoline now being sold in one-liter bottles for P92 up from the previous P65.

"Bebenta po namin ['yung huli] sa broker sa halagang 85 ang kilo. 'Yung krudo po napakataas, 'yung presyo 100," he said.

To help residents affected by the fuel price hikes, the GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed food packs to 8,000 individuals in Masbate and Limasawa Island, including members of the fisherfolk community.

"Salamat talaga sa GMA Foundation, karamihan talaga ay mga mahihirap na nagdedepende lang sa dagat ang mga magulang nila," said Limasawa Island MSWD officer Jessamin Rin.

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