Baguio’s small businesses struggle amid fewer tourists due to high fuel cost

Some small business owners in Baguio City are lamenting the lack of business due to the smaller number of tourists due to the high cost of fuel.

In her Wednesday report on 24 Oras, Bea Pinlac said this coupled with the increasing prices of commodities has some businesses barely hanging on.

Visitors to the popular Lion’s Head at Kennon Road are not as many as previous Holy Weeks. Aside from the current prices of fuel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, police are strictly enforcing a no parking policy near the tourist spot to prevent the slow down of traffic. This after the Department of Interior and Local Government ordered local government units to remove barriers or choke points along roads.

There are designated parking spots near the Lion’s Head but once these are full, motorists are no longer allowed to park along the road. 

The situation has caused a drastic drop in the earnings of the souvenir and pasalubong stores in the area, many saying they are lucky to earn P200 to 350 a day which is not enough to support their families.

"We have not sold anything today. It's a hard time for us here at Lion's Head... we just have to endure," said souvenir vendor Lani Lozano.

"We won't be able to earn anything. Especially now they became stricter when we are hoping for the Holy Week," added pasalubong seller Gina Cristobal.

The Baguio City government acknowledges the challenges faced by its residents, especially with the higher cost of fuel compared to the lowlands.

“If there are impending increases in rentals, not in the meantime. Second, we might give a sort of tax relief, and we ill need to set up a program of loans without interest. We are going over our budget to source funds,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

On Wednesday, authorities said they have yet to observe an influx of motorists to the City of Pines. Compared to the same time last year, there has been a “significant” decrease in the number of visitors and vehicles.

As part of its preparations, at least a thousand cops and force multipliers have been deployed around Baguio’s central business district, major thoroughfares, churches, tourist spots and transport terminals for the whole summer break.