The price of Luxury: Students facing the reality in Baguio.

One of the biggest challenges that students face in their daily lives is capitalism. As the economy grows; it becomes harder to maintain a student-friendly cost of living– especially here in Baguio City.

Food, rent, water, and electricity are the essential needs that Students have to set their budget to, not to mention tuition fees and other school related expenses that also add a financial burden on them. The rise of inflation relatively here in Baguio makes us question whether it is still worth it to encourage students to study and live here in the city, considering that most of them know that the living expenses in Baguio are affordable and cheaper compared to other major cities like Manila.

As someone who lives far away from home, that is the main reason why I was convinced to study here as that is what sets Baguio apart from other cities that I have considered. Not knowing that the moment I experienced how it is to live here, it made me realize that the city I thought was for students became a city for capitalism.

According to Inquirer.net, household budgets across the Cordillera region has also increased, following the inflation rate of 4.1 at the start of the year compared to the 3.1 rate last december. Local authorities have mentioned that it is due to the rise of food prices, fuel, and transportation fees.

Source: *https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2034500/cordillera-sees-a-spike-in-inflation#:~:text=BAGUIO%20CITY%2C%20Philippines%20%E2%80%94%20Inflation%20continues,transport%20costs%2C%20local%20authorities%20said.*

Source: https://rssocar.psa.gov.ph/consumer-price-index/node/57418

Statistics also show the rampant increase of other expenses in the region, affecting not only the income households but also students who are currently living and studying in the city. There is a significant rise throughout the months. July 2024 peaked at 4.8, making it the highest inflation rate in the Cordillera region.

This issue is not new to some, but it definitely has an impact on the way people live, especially students who are on a tight budget, given that they have to manage their expenses well without feeling left out by the society’s standards of living. A student in Saint Louis University shared her insights about how it is to live alone in her apartment with the on-going inflation.

[embed]AUDIO_INTERVIEW.mov Edit descriptiondrive.google.com

Other students might have the same sentiments as Ms. Adrienne, as I am also currently experiencing the same struggles especially with a limited budget on my hands. Asking for additional or extra money from my family really adds to the burden that I am currently facing. But, despite this, the only thing that keeps me going is learning how to manage my expenses well, balancing all of the essential needs and wants I have.

As mentioned on the interview, one of the ways to be able to save up is going to the market, as buying and making your own food really helps a lot if you have an allotted budget. Rather than spending most of your allowance on outside food that costs you more, for a few days only.

If possible, lessen the amount in riding taxis’ for convenience, and consider commuting using public transportation such as Jeeps and E-jeeps, as well as walking around the city if your destination is quite near to you. This does not only benefit you but the low-income people as well. Plus, it also fits in with your budget.

Heading to the student’s biggest challenge; Recently, SLU has already increased the Tuition Fees for last year, and now, they are planning to apply it for the next school year as well. This gained numerous complaints from Louisians, as it has become ridiculously expensive. With a 9% increase of other fees, it has become higher than the Cordillera region’s inflation rate

Students — most especially the Supreme student council have continuously fought for the rights of the Louisians, hoping that the administration itself will be able to see and hear them.

With this, controlling yourself is indeed a challenge, especially if most of your peers are living better compared to you. But one should reassess the reason why you are living here in Baguio– to study, despite the fact that it is slowly turning into a luxurious lifestyle.

As we grow older, there are numerous lessons that must be learned, and that includes being able to manage our expenses well. Consider not only the people around you but also the family that is working hard to help you achieve your dreams in life.

As they say, “Money Can’t buy happiness”, but in our world and economy now?

“Money is everything so, use it wisely.”