A quiet worry is spreading across the vegetable farms of the Cordillera.
As fuel prices surge, farmers say they may soon have no choice but to stop harvesting their crops — a move that could eventually push vegetable prices higher in markets across Metro Manila.
In a report by Ian Cruz on “24 Oras” Wednesday, farmers shared how the sharp increase in oil prices is slowly eating away at their already thin earnings.
For many growers, the numbers simply no longer add up.
“It’s no longer worth it”
Farmer JR Gabol recently sold cabbages for only P5 each at a trading center in La Trinidad, Benguet.
But that small amount barely covers anything.
It does not pay for the laborers who help load the produce.
It does not cover trading fees.
And it certainly does not cover the five-hour journey from Bauko, Mountain Province just to bring the vegetables to market.
By the time everything is paid, the farmer is left with almost nothing.
Sometimes, even less than nothing.
Faced with the rising cost of diesel, Gabol says he is now considering something many farmers dread — stopping the harvest altogether.
“If we’re really losing money, the vegetables will just rot in the garden,” he said.
“It’s better than transporting them and still ending up in deficit.”
It’s a painful choice.
Months of hard work… left to spoil in the fields.
But for some farmers, continuing to harvest may mean losing even more.
Supply could shrink, prices could rise
For now, vegetable prices at La Trinidad trading posts remain stable.
But traders warn that this could quickly change.
If farmers decide not to harvest or deliver their produce, supply will shrink — and prices will almost certainly rise.
Mario Miguel, vice president of the Bagsan Association in La Trinidad, explained how the numbers break down.
A cabbage may sell for P4.
But transporting it could cost P8.
“That’s why farmers will stop harvesting,” Miguel said.
“And when only a few vegetables arrive here, prices will definitely go up.”
Fuel is needed beyond transport
The problem doesn’t end with transportation.
Farmer Jona Cabaling, who traveled five hours from Buguias, Benguet, said fuel is also needed to run water pumps used to irrigate crops.
Without fuel, farms struggle to keep vegetables growing.
So when oil prices rise, farmers are hit twice — in the field and on the road.
Government studying aid for farmers
Recognizing the growing problem, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas said the local government is studying ways to help vegetable farmers continue delivering their produce.
Possible fuel and transport subsidies are now being considered.
“This is really needed for sustainability,” Diclas said.
“If we can provide financial assistance for transport or fuel, at least farmers can still bring vegetables to the market.”
For many farmers, that support could make the difference between harvesting — or leaving crops behind.
Diesel prices continue to climb
Meanwhile, fuel prices continue to move upward.
In three major gas stations in La Trinidad, diesel now ranges from P85 to nearly P97 per liter, following the second day of the staggered mega oil price hike.
Another increase is expected Thursday.
In Buguias, one gasoline station even ran out of fuel supplies and was forced to temporarily close.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring fuel prices across Benguet.
The local government is also urging the public to report any irregularities to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
For now, vegetables are still arriving at trading posts.
But behind every delivery is a farmer wondering the same question:
How long can they keep going if the cost of fuel keeps rising?
