MANILA, Philippines – Chicken is an essential part of any gym-goers’ diet. It is a value option for most when it comes to protein gains. But what happens when a gym rat’s main source of protein increases in price?

Price increase

In a recent price monitoring of the Department of Agriculture, as of July 2024, chicken prices have skyrocketed to a record high ₱250 per kilogram compared to the ₱220 per kilo the previous month.

The 13.63% price markup in July has led many fitness enthusiasts to reevaluate their diets even as the prices slowly drop in the subsequent months.

The alternative

Sydney, a third-year student from UST, noted that the recent hike in prices for poultry products has influenced his decision to try alternative options for protein gain. “Nagmahal ang kilo for me. Mas okay tuna tapos mas mataas pa protein niya compared sa chicken.” Sydney shared.

Statista.com says that the average price of tulingan in 2023 is about ₱165.41 per kilo which is a cheaper alternative while also having virtually the same amount of protein, 27.9g for tuna and 31g per 100 grams.

Many student gym-goers share the same sentiment with Sydney as Marco Bernardo, a first-year college student from UST.

Marco says that he has been into fitness his whole life. Starting as young as 10-years old, Marco has shaped his lifestyle to fit his fitness goals, even grocery shopping on his own.

“Wala po ako magawa eh, minsan kapag hindi talaga pasok sa budget ko, kumakain na lang ako corned beef.”

The first year student shared how strongly he felt about the price increase and how it not only affected student fitness enthusiasts, but also the everyday filipino.

“Chicken is a staple in many Filipino households, di pwedeng mawala yan. Ramdam ko na nga ang pagtaas ng presyo, paano pa kaya ang mga mahihirap?” Marco exclaimed.

A necessity?

As for Coach Robert, a fresh grad who now works at Anytime Fitness, he feels the recoil of the price hike even as someone who is fully employed.

“Kahit na ngayon na may trabaho na ako, nahihirapan parin ako i-manage yung pera pagdating sa pagkain, lalo na sa manok.” Coach Rob dejectedly said.

He shared how unfortunate it was that with how essential poultry products are to his diet, especially chicken, he has no other choice but to continue purchasing.

“May mga options naman talaga na mas mura like canned goods pero di rin kasi maganda kapag laging canned or processed foods, mas maganda talaga whole foods tulad ng manok.” Coach Rob advised.

“Wala ganun talaga, di naman mababago ang presyo. May kamahalan talaga ang presyo niya, pero you just have to look at it as an investment for your body’s improvement.” Coach Rob said disappointedly.

That poses the question of which dictates which. Is health truly wealth, or does wealth define your health.

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