It started with rice. Someone big here in my country said that there would be a shortage of it in the very near future. People panicked. Cartels were suddenly active and hoarded, maybe to sell for a higher price later. The less fortunate fall in line to buy the rice with government subsidy (the one that comes for a lower price), and now they are talking about directly selling the rice to the less fortunate for sadly, people, even those who could afford the other types of rice opted to buy the one with gov’t subsidy…and to make sure, they have to give out cards, without which, one can’t purchase the less expensive rice.
Everything now starts to follow suit. The other substitute for rice, bread, is also ‘painful’ to buy…for the pockets, that is. The veggies and meat are also expensive nowadays. WE are also experiencing an oil price hike for like every week. Buses are now demanding for an increase in the fare they collect, taxis are also imploring for a flag-down-rate hike. I remember, there was a time when I only pay P1.50 for a ride to school. Now, it is already P10.50. 10 times more expensive.
My mom and dad have jobs. They earn fair enough wages. We get through everyday just fine, but when there is a sudden, extra bill that needs to be paid, one that is not anticipated, I feel that we are still short on money…but basically we were okay.
But, here in the country, there are people who just make P400.00 a day, even less. It’s hard for our family of 4 to maximize what mom and dad earn and that is bigger than just P400. What’s going to happen to those that get the minumum wage? With all the rising prices of commodities, can a poor family still eat at most twice a day? Can the kids go to school?
I gues, everyone here just have to tighten theit waistbands more…
