Over 94k individuals receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation amid oil price hikes

Thousands of farmers, fisherfolk, and other workers affected by rising fuel prices received assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation's Operation Bayanihan project.

According to “24 Oras” on Wednesday, many farmers and fisherfolk have struggled to sustain their livelihoods as fuel costs continue to climb, with higher diesel prices driving up irrigation and fishing expenses.

Some have turned to alternative sources of income, including construction work, junk trading, selling ice candy, and peddling snacks, to help support their families.

"When diesel prices went up, we could no longer go out to sea. We couldn't afford the cost anymore, we couldn't go farther out to sea," said fisherman Ruben Cielo in Filipino. .

To help ease their burden, the GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed food packs to communities affected by the fuel price hikes across 18 provinces.

Among the beneficiaries were farmers in Benguet, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, and Quezon.

Fisherfolk in Aurora, Camarines Norte, Cavite, Rizal, and Zambales also received assistance, along with residents of Limasawa, Romblon, Catanduanes, and Masbate.

"A single fishing trip costs thousands of pesos, and the three of us have to split the expenses. Thank you very much, GMA," Rico Teodoro.

The foundation also extended aid to tricycle drivers and fish vendors in Cardona, Rizal, as well as duck and swine raisers in Victoria, Laguna.

"This is a huge help for our agriculture sector, especially because they received relief packs," said Emmanuel Corcuera, a municipal agriculturist in Victoria.

Through the generosity and continued support of the foundation's partners and donors, more than 94,000 individuals received aid through the Operation Bayanihan project.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation 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.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News