Prices of ‘round’ fruits spike ahead of the New Year

As media noche approaches, prices of round-shaped fruits have started going up in markets in Metro Manila.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras,” Divisoria prices of pineapple per kilo increased to P200 from P120, while a watermelon now costs P50 from P35.

“Sa pandemiya po kasi, mahirap ipasok dito. Naho-hold kaya tinataasan ng mga supplier din,” a vendor said.

Filipinos have started buying round fruits due to the belief that displaying round-shaped fruits on the table on New Year’s Eve will attract good fortune for the coming year.

Meanwhile, authorities are also strictly implementing health protocols to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

So far, the Philippines has recorded a total of 470,650 cases of COVID-19 including 438,780 recoveries and 9,124 fatalities. —Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News