The Struggle of Baguio: A Tale of Tourism and Resilience
As we stepped into the long weekend, we hoped for vibrant streets and bustling markets in Baguio City and La Trinidad. Yet, the reality was quite different. Tourist arrivals were noticeably down, putting a damper on local businesses and casting a shadow over the beloved Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad.
The recent spike in fuel prices left many hesitant to travel, impacting the income of local vendors who rely on tourists to sustain their livelihoods. James Agustin’s report on “24 Oras” told a story of mixed emotions: while some daring souls still made the trek to bask in the famous float parade, many others stayed home, burdened by high fuel costs.
The parade itself was a sight to behold! Sixteen vibrant floats rolled through the streets, crafted by various barangays. Participants poured their creativity into using recycled materials and adorning their floats with fresh flowers, plump strawberries, and local veggies. The joy was palpable as cheers filled the air, especially during the street dancing and drum and lyre competitions that added rhythm to the festivities.
“We are pro-environment,” said Osmondo Caluducan, a kagawad from Barangay Alapang. He emphasized the importance of keeping the celebration clean and green, even amidst challenges. But, the reality for La Trinidad was concerning — Mayor Roderick Awingan noted a significant decrease in tourist numbers. “We’ve seen a drastic decline in visitors,” he remarked. The community has felt the pinch, particularly on the famed strawberry farms, where the usually joyful sound of laughter and picking was noticeably softer this time.
“We expected a rush given the holiday and long weekend,” said strawberry farmer Marijoy Morillo, sighing as she observed fewer visitors than anticipated. Despite this, there were still hopeful tourists who made the journey to embrace the beauty of Baguio. “Amazing! Worth every moment!” exclaimed Romeo Granada, wishing he could extend his stay despite work awaiting him on Monday.
Budget travel strategies formed a new trend, as seen with Mark Autos from Cabuyao, Laguna. He shared how he and his friends pooled resources to make the trip manageable, bringing their own food to cook rather than dining out. “We shared the cost of fuel and even cooked together,” he smiled, revealing how camaraderie can lighten the burden.
A ray of positivity emerged from La Trinidad with the opening of a new garden boasting over 20,000 roses—a perfect backdrop for the perfect selfie. Families from afar noted the breathtaking beauty, like Cecil Quebrar, who reveled in the stunning colors, eager to explore further during their holiday.
Meanwhile, in Baguio, the cool mountain air still called to some visitors, even as they navigated rising fuel costs. Rodan Sabala shared, “It’s chilly and feels less crowded. We had booked our trip a while back, so we came anyway.” For others like Alex Buenafe, this was a first-time experience. “We wanted to see all the beautiful things we’ve only watched online,” he shared, a spark of enthusiasm in his voice.
But this sense of adventure was clouded by the growing concern of fuel prices. According to an industry source, the looming petroleum crisis linked to international conflicts hinted at further increases: diesel could soar as high as ₱130 per liter, and gasoline might breach the ₱100 mark. The fear of what this would mean for travel was almost palpable.
As Baguio faces these challenges, the resilience of its people shines through. Local businesses are hoping for a quicker recovery, and while the current situation reflects difficulty, the spirit of the community remains unbroken.
Baguio and La Trinidad have always been more than just destinations; they embody stories of resilience, warmth, and hope. Together, they overcome the obstacles, ensuring that no matter the struggles, each long weekend can still bloom with opportunities for exploration and joy.
