MANILA: Millions of Filipinos have returned to their hometowns for the Easter holiday, undeterred by rising fuel costs triggered by the Iran war.
In Asia’s largest Christian-majority nation, with more than 85 million Catholics, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter — known as Holy Week — is the most sacred time of the year, marked with traditions and family gatherings.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said earlier this week that officials were expecting more than 5 million people to travel during the period, despite fuel prices hitting record highs.
For Raymond Hibernia, a 59-year-old public sector worker from the Manila capital region, faith and tradition are more important than the expense.
“We’re not letting the price of gasoline affect our plans,” he told Arab News.
