A member of the LGBT community member went viral after returning home late at night in the midst of heavy rain while carrying a sack of rice. It’s inherent in us Filipinos to prioritize family over ourselves, which is why the actions of one of our fellow countrymen are truly admirable. Amid the pouring rain, they brought a sack of rice home for their family, and this act quickly gained the admiration of netizens.
Many of us are currently lamenting the skyrocketing price of rice, which has reportedly reached ₱2,500 or more per sack due to a supposed rice supply shortage, contrary to the promise of ₱20 per kilo made by President Marcos during his campaign. It’s been reported that the Philippines has the highest rice importation in the world, reaching 3.8 million metric tons.
I spoke with some farmers, and they mentioned that one of the reasons for the rice price increase is the cost of agricultural supplies, including medicine for rice plants, seeds, land preparation, planting, irrigation, and the expenses for diesel used in pumping water to distant and non-irrigated fields. They also mentioned the pricing practices of millers, who sometimes buy palay (unhusked rice) at low prices from farmers but sell it at much higher rates. This makes it unlikely for Marcos’s promised ₱20 per kilo to become a reality.
The actions of our fellow countrymen are truly inspiring. After finishing his work, they chose to buy rice for his family despite being caught in the rain. Upon arriving home, they found his family already asleep, but he still managed to make jokes and bring laughter while carrying the rice through the challenges of the night. Many were touched and expressed their admiration for the love they showed to their family in the video they posted.