Yuletide is here once more. As a tradition, many of us tend to prepare a feast, most commonly called noche buena. But with crises left and right, can the ordinary Filipino still afford to have the traditional noche buena? Trade secretary, Cristina Roque, says yes to that question. But my dear madame, your answer is far from the reality of Filipinos.

Many online have pointed out that the remark made by Sec. Roque is quite detached from reality. In an article from Inquirer.net, Ibon Foundation called the statement of the secretary “obviously false” and “a part of government propaganda.” Additionally, Bico Saro Party-List, in an article published by ABS-CBN News, exclaimed on the absurdity of the fact. “Sa anong planeta kasya yung P500 para sa Noche Buena ng pamilyang Pilipino?”

(On what planet would P500 be enough for a Noche Buena meal for a Filipino family?)

It got me thinking—is 500 pesos truly enough for a hearty noche buena, as the secretary proclaimed?

In an article by the Daily Tribune, they examine food prices through the statistics proved by Numbeo and their other sources. In one paragraph, it shows that a single, inexpensive meal at a simple restaurant costs a single person around Php200. Obviously, if my family would simply cook at home, it would be cheaper. But not many families have the privilege of being able to cook at home. This could be due to time, as many would opt to work overtime to be able to earn additional income. This could also just point to the fact that not all Filipino families have a kitchen. These are the underprivileged families who live in a single-room home.

Furthermore, the same article points out the rising cost of meat, specifically beef and pork. Probably, being knowledgeable of these facts, the secretary in the same statement listed cheaper ingredients that, in her view, would be satisfactory for a simple noche buena. But, should we settle for processed food to have a Christmas dinner?

In another follow-up statement from the Department of Trade and Industry, they defended the stance of the secretary. The department even provided a grocery list for a “cheap” noche buena. These items mostly come in packs and are usually packaged and processed artificially for longer shelf life. Then again, are we now settling for these mere processed foods? Nothing is wrong with using these ingredients. But let’s be real, nothing can beat the heartiness and health benefits of home cooked meals.

As I examine this issue, I can’t help but reminisce on the 21-peso meal controversy of the National Economic and Development Authority. Both left the same impression on me and other Filipinos—that our leaders and officials are out of touch with the masses.

I personally believe that a 500-peso noche buena can be achieved. But it can only be achieved in two ways. Either we time travel to the early 90’s or we actually try to lower the prices of basic commodities and food.

In finality, I would like to offer a message of hope to our dear secretary. Madam, we can achieve that dream of yours. But, you and the government that you work for needs to do their jobs. Let us remember, dreams can happen only if we actually work for it.

The Frontman