VENDORS and consumers at Cebu City Carbon Market are feeling the pinch, as El Niño has driven up the prices of goods, especially for vegetables. Hazel Relativo, a 35-year-old vendor from Dalaguete, has been selling vegetables at the market for over a decade. She has seen prices of her goods rise significantly since April due to the persistent dry conditions.“Karon ra gyud nisaka ang presyo sa mga utanon nga ting-init kaayo, tungod man sad ni sa El Niño.
She noted, though, that she can still save money on fruits and make a profit from them.Junard Cañete, a 20-year-old fruit vendor from Negros Oriental, has been selling fruits at the market for over eight months.He observed that unlike vegetables, most fruit prices have remained stable despite the El Niño, with the exception of watermelons, which have become more expensive.“Wala ra man gihapon nag increase ang presyo sa prutas.