The prices of tomatoes already hit P140 to P150 a kilo in Bacolod City, but in the first week of January 2025, the prices soared to P180 and on to P200 per kilo.

A few shoppers at Libertad Public Market in Bacolod City, who also sell tomatoes in retail, are upset over the spiral in prices.

“Kawawa ang mga namimili kasi kami tutubo lang naman kami. Ang idea ko, bibilangin ko. Example 100, idi-divide ko,” Juvy, a market shopper, said.

Frances, another shopper who sells tomatoes in retail, said that it is a challenge to gain from selling tomatoes amid skyrocketing prices.

“Nahihirapan akong magbalanse upang makatubô. Ibinibenta ko tig-limang piso. Naghananap rin kasi sila ng magandang urî,” Frances said.

As for Rolando Mortel, who cooks for a charitable institution that takes care of the elderly and youngsters, he has to reduce the number of kilos of tomatoes bought, as well as other vegetables to stretch the budget.

“Mahal na ang lahat ng bilihin. Wala tayong magawa upang makakain ang mga nakatira doon. Isang kilo’t kalahati pa lang ito, mahigit na P400 na kamatis," Rolando said.

According to the vendor, Ma. Angeles Omboy, a resident of Barangay Pula in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental that is within the permanent danger zone at Mount Kanlaon, their farm produce has been affected by the volcano’s magmatic unrest.

“Ang aming mga pananim, naubos sa abo. Pagdating dito, mahal na (presyo). Once maano ng abo, nalalanta kaagad, green tapos magiging brown,” Angeles said.

At the said market, low-quality tomatoes (described as “reject”) are still being sold at P40 a kilo. 

Due to the increased volcanic unrest beginning December 2024, planting vegetables at the foot of the volcano has been prohibited, which leads to a lack in supply.