More Filipino families were buying lechon for their Christmas Eve dinner this year than last, GMA News "24 Oras" reported on Wednesday night.
Maca Chua, president of the roasters group in La Loma, said many cancelled their Christmas parties in 2013 because of the tragedy caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda.
"Itong taon na 'to mas malakas po.Kasi po nung nakaraang taon, kung natatandaan po natin yung Yolanda, marami pong nagkansela ng kanilang mga party ano, para lang syempre tumulong dun sa mga kababayan natin na nasalanta ng bagyo," Chua said.
Thousands died when Yolanda, said to be the strongest typhoon to ever hit landfall, devastated Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces in November last year.
Another typhoon, Ruby, threatened the same areas in November this year but the government was cited for adequate preparations that kept casualties to a minimum.
Because of the higher demand, the price of lechon expectedly went up. The amount of lechon that usually cost P600 to P700 went up to P700 to P800.
Even a small whole lechon could fetch P4,000, the report added.
In other areas that have lechon sellers, the demand was so high that customers started queueing for their lechon early Wednesday morning.
A couple interviewed by GMA News said they started to line up at 8:30 a.m. but were already No. 81 in line. —NB, GMA News
Video* 24 Oras: Lechon, mas mabenta raw ngayon kumpara noong nakaraang taon