Baguio City, once a favorite destination for Filipino families during the Holy Week, is now feeling the pinch of soaring fuel prices. Several gasoline stations in the Summer Capital price diesel at P136.45 per liter , while gasoline sells for over P100 per liter āa significant increase compared to previous years.
The surge represents roughly P16.35 more than the prices recorded last year, placing additional burden on travelers planning their Lenten getaways. For many families, the cost of driving up to Baguio has become prohibitively expensive.
- Diesel: P136.45 per liter at select stations
- Gasoline: Over P100 per liter across the city
- Price increase: P16.35 compared to previous year
Baguio
Despite the long weekend and traditionally strong demand during this period, fewer tourists were seen flocking to Baguio City and nearby La Trinidad in Benguet. Road trips that once cost a few thousand pesos now require significantly more budget allocation for fuel alone.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong addressed the situation on Friday, March 27, acknowledging the severe impact on the city's tourism sector. The city's main industry is facing an unprecedented challenge as travelers reconsider their plans due to mounting expenses.
The Mayor confirmed that tourist arrivals have declined by 40 to 50 percent compared to the same period last year. This dramatic drop translates to thousands of potential visitors choosing alternative destinations or postponing their trips entirely.
Tourists
Even with the extended Holy Week break that typically draws massive crowds to the mountain city, the numbers remained disappointingly low. Local tourism stakeholders had hoped the long weekend would reverse the trend, but high fuel costs proved to be a stronger deterrent.
The decline in visitors has rippled through Baguio's economy, affecting thousands of workers and entrepreneurs who depend on tourist spending. From small vendors along Session Road to established restaurants and souvenir shops, the impact is being felt across the sector.
La Trinidad's famous strawberry farms and Baguio's iconic flower gardens have seen fewer customers. Transport operators, including jeepneys and taxi drivers, report dwindling fares as the volume of visitors drops. Hotel occupancy rates have also fallen below expectations for the holiday period.
Local leaders warn that sustained decline in tourism could lead to job losses and reduced income for families who rely on the industry. The city's economic recovery from the pandemic now faces a new threat from persistently high fuel prices.
Tourism officials are calling for intervention to help revive the industry. Without strategic measures, they warn that the damage to Baguio's economy could be long-lasting and difficult to reverse.
Tighten
Stakeholders are urging national government agencies to consider temporary relief measures, such as fuel subsidies for transport operators serving tourist destinations. They argue that supporting the transportation sector could help make travel more affordable again.
Local authorities are exploring ways to attract visitors through promotional campaigns and package deals that could offset the high cost of transportation. Some suggest emphasizing local experiences that don't require extensive driving, such as walking tours and community-based tourism activities.
