Filipinos flocked to social media to challenge the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) estimate for a budget-friendly Noche Buena, after the agency suggested that a holiday feast could be put together for just ₱488.
According to reports, in a Facebook post released Sunday, the DTI claimed that shoppers could purchase ground beef, a pasta-and-sauce combo, fruit cocktail, Pinoy pandesal, cheese, and American ham—all within a ₱500 budget.
“Masarap at masaganang Noche Buena on a budget? Kayang kaya ’yan, Konsyumer. Basta’t maging wais at matalino sa inyong Noche Buena shopping!” the agency wrote in the now-viral post, which was eventually removed.
However, the claim failed to convince many. Social media users questioned the computation, arguing that today’s prices make it unrealistic to complete a Noche Buena spread with such a small amount.
Netizens became even more critical after DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque doubled down on what she said ₱500 could supposedly afford.
“Kung tutuusin, ₱500, makakabili na kayo ng ham. Makakagawa ka na ng macaroni salad,
makakagawa ka na rin ng spaghetti. Depende na rin po ‘yan kung ilan ‘yong kakain,” she said.
This statement sparked even more frustration, leading to a stream of reactions such as:
“Do you cook and do the shopping in your household? Be real.”
“Isa din ’to, aga-aga nambubuwisit.”
“With all due respect, Ma’am Roque, please name the supermarket where you bought these Noche Buena items. I’d love to try this ‘budget hack’ myself.”
“Grabe. Touch some grass, et! Bahaha.”
“Pa-live po ng handa niyo sa Pasko at New Year. Aabangan namin ang ₱500 ninyong handa.”
“Saang planeta ka galing, ma’am?”
Amid the mounting criticism, Secretary Roque clarified on Friday, November 28, that her computation applied only to a family of four.
What are your thoughts on this issue?
