MANILA — Several students staged a protest Wednesday at UN Avenue in Manila against the recent fare increase for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), saying it adds to their daily financial burden. 

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Third-year college student Chloe Magana, who takes the LRT-1 daily from Recto Station to Central Avenue Station to attend school, joined the demonstration organized by the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and ACT Education Students-PNU, of which she is a member.

"Yung limang piso hanggang sampung pisong taas presyo napakasakit nun. Napakalaking dagok nun sa araw-araw na gastos ko bilang sarili ko lang sinusustentuhan ko sa pag-aaral. Nag-iipon din kasi ako personally sa gagastusin namin sa research," Magana said.

The minimum fare for LRT-1 increased from P15 to P20 effective April 2.

In a statement, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) defended the fare hike, saying it is necessary to sustain train operations and improve services for passengers. However, Magana questioned the timing of the increase, especially amid rising fuel prices.

"May mga pagkakataon sila para ayusin 'yung operasyon nila, pero di nila ginagawa 'yun. Sinakto pa talaga nila ngayon na tumaas 'yung presyo ng langis para doblehin ang pasakit sa masang commuter," she added.

Parents like Virginia Abejero, who supports four children in school, said it would further strain their already tight budget.

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"Mabigat na po 'yun kasi ang pera namin ay di naman sapat para sa pagkain eh. Kagaya ko, naglalaba ako para madagdagan ang aming income. Siguro kailangan higpit sinturon po talaga tayong mga nanay," she said.

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