“My first reaction… Whoever in government said that is completely detached from the everyday reality of Filipino families” – Igorot Master Chef Royol on DTI’s P500 budget for Noche Buena

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the controversy over Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque’s claim that a P500 budget is enough for Noche Buena continues to draw criticism, iBarlig Master Chef Romulo Lamaton Royol Jr., famously known as Chef JR Royol, took to his personal social media account to express his views on the issue—saying that the government is far detached from the everyday struggles of Filipinos.

Chef Royol, a well-known Igorot culinary figure and former MasterChef Philippines winner, said that while it is technically possible to prepare a simple Christmas meal with a limited budget, the statement fails to reflect the realities faced by many households dealing with rising prices and limited income.

In his Instagram post, Royol noted that Noche Buena is one of the few moments where parents can offer their children joy and dignity despite hardship, and said that reducing its cost to such a low amount overlooks the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos.

“My first reaction… Whoever in government said that is completely detached from the everyday reality of Filipino families. Now, technically speaking, yes—anyone in a difficult financial situation can force a celebration out of ₱500. And yes, Christmas was never supposed to be about an overflowing feast. When a government official casually declares ‘₱500 is enough,’ it reveals how disconnected they are from the struggles of the people they supposedly serve,” he said.

He added that remarks like these normalize hardship and shift blame away from government shortcomings. For him, the claim that “₱500 is enough” shapes public perception and lowers expectations instead of offering genuine guidance.

“By saying ‘₱500 is enough,’ they’re not giving budgeting advice. They’re shaping perception. They’re shifting blame. They’re conditioning people to accept less, expect less, and demand less—while billions quietly disappear and the powerful continue to eat well,” he added.

It can be recalled that Roque clarified her statement during a press conference on November 28, following fast backlash from the public. According to Roque, a ₱500 Noche Buena is possible but only for a family of four and with a simplified menu—adding that current prices in the DTI Price Guide show that the amount could cover basic holiday items.

Meanwhile, the chef’s remarks add to the growing wave of public reactions calling on government officials to be more sensitive to the financial realities faced by many citizens, especially during the holiday season.