Soaring fuel prices are putting the brakes on tourism in Benguet province, with local officials reporting a sharp decline in visitor arrivals as the town of La Trinidad struggles to fund its iconic Strawberry Festival.
Mayor Roderick Awingan said tourism growth has decelerated significantly, noting that fuel prices—which have peaked at more than 100 pesos per liter—are deterring travelers.
“We felt the deceleration of tourism growth due to the oil price hikes which almost doubled,” Awingan said. He estimated that tourist arrivals in La Trinidad and surrounding areas of Benguet have plummeted by 30% to 50%.
The economic strain is visible at the town’s primary attractions.
Valred Olsim, the municipal tourism officer, said revenue from environmental fees at the Strawberry Farm recently dropped from 60,000 pesos to approximately 25,000 pesos.
The spike in the cost of goods and fuel has also made it difficult for the local government to sustain the month-long Strawberry Festival.
To keep the tradition alive, the municipality earmarked 6 million pesos for the event, partially funded by leasing market grounds for a trade fair.
Olsim said the budget is being stretched to its breaking point by inflation with the giant strawberry cake costing around P1.2 million while the holding of the parade and other operating costs to run the festival can reach up to P2 million.
“Event organizing is easy, but it is hard to work on the budget,” Olsim said, noting that there are no longer “budget meals” available for under 100 pesos.
The high cost of logistics has also thinned the ranks of festival performers. Olsim reported that participation in the street parades dropped from eight drum and lyre bands last year to just six this year.
The number of decorative floats has also decreased because the municipality can only provide a maximum subsidy of P15,000 per barangay, an amount that covers less ground than it used to.
Local officials expressed frustration over the disparity between La Trinidad’s government-led efforts and the privately funded Panagbenga Festival in neighboring Baguio City.
Because the Strawberry Festival is a state-run event institutionalized by a 2011 ordinance, it faces stricter procurement and liquidation rules than private foundations.
“We don’t have the right infrastructures to hold festivals as grand as Panagbenga,” Olsim said. “Even if we want it, we are limited financially and geographically.”
Despite the empty seats on tour buses, Awingan noted some silver linings. This year’s “Duting tan Dokto” fun run saw a record 1,700 runners, and the civic parade drew nearly 5,000 participants.
The festival is scheduled to run through April 1, featuring horse-riding events and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. La Trinidad.
“Let’s not go off track with our main purpose of strengthening the spirit of our community,” Awingan said. “When we fulfill this, everything else will follow, even tourism.” Caryl Sumulong/UP Baguio Intern