The recent oil price hike is starting to affect tourism and livelihoods in several parts of Luzon, with fewer visitors reported in tourist sites and workers in various sectors struggling with higher fuel costs.

In La Trinidad, which is celebrating the Strawberry Festival, tourism workers said the number of visitors has dropped. Parking areas that are usually full still have many vacant spaces, while fewer tourists are trying strawberry picking or buying local produce.

Horse carriage drivers in Calle Crisologo also reported weak income due to the decline in tourists.

“Sa ngayon po na tumaas ang gasolina, ramdam namin ‘yung konti lang ‘yung turistang bumibisita ng Vigan. Kaya po ngayon isang beses, dalawang beses hanggang mag-agaw ang dilim at liwanag, doon lang kami nakaka-dalawang karga,” Sofia Sison, a horse carriage driver, said.

Despite the slowdown, some tourists still choose to ride horse-drawn carriages while exploring the historic city.

“Mas nagiging practical na din sila (turista). Kasi alam naman natin kapag dito sa Vigan, hindi ganoon kalalayo ‘yung tourism site, puwede mong lakarin ‘yan,” Michelle Adolfo, officer-in-charge of the Ilocos Sur Tourism Office, said.

Meanwhile, more than 200 fishermen in Barangay San Miguel in San Antonio are also feeling the impact of rising fuel prices, along with smaller fish catches. Many are trying different ways to reduce fuel use.

Farmers in Sarrat also reported difficulties buying gasoline for water pumps used in irrigation. Some gas stations refuse to sell fuel when it is stored in containers, leaving crops at risk of drying up due to lack of water.

Construction workers are also affected as fuel used for concrete mixers becomes more expensive. Some workers have resorted to manually mixing materials to cut fuel costs.

Farmers are now hoping the national government will provide fuel subsidies to help ease the impact of rising oil prices.