Aeta families in Tarlac face higher fuel costs after Middle East disruptions

Rising fuel prices have increased transportation costs for residents of Kalangitan, a resettled Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac. Gasoline prices at local pumps reached P100 per liter in May, up from P60 earlier, according to village elder Nelson de Guzman.

Nelson de Guzman said the price increase doubled household expenses and forced him to stop selling gasoline on credit. Residents now purchase fuel from a nearby Caltex station.

Transportation and earnings Vendor Aiza saw tricycle rental costs rise from P500 to P700 per trip to sell produce and handicrafts in town. Daily sales average P1,000, leaving little profit after fuel expenses, community advocacy lead Angel Manalo said.

Manalo stated that vendors' income now largely covers transportation rather than household needs. The higher cost of moving goods has reduced take-home pay across the community.

Learning center attendance Weekend classes at the Aeta Learning Center continue but with fewer adult participants. Manalo said attendance has dropped because residents must work on Sundays to offset higher living costs. Former community teacher Neslyn Pelacio has limited time for volunteer work as she tends crops in the mountains.

Weekday lessons previously led by local teachers have been scaled back. The price increases follow supply disruptions after the United States and Israel took military action against Iran, which affected tanker access through the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippines imports about 98 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East.