AS THE NATION prepares to commemorate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, a time of reflection and remembrance, the specter of panic buying and hoarding poses a significant challenge.
While it’s natural for people to want to ensure they have all they need during this significant observance, the tendency to over-purchase and stockpile can have far-reaching, negative consequences. As we approach this period of solemnity and tradition, it is crucial to understand why panic buying and hoarding are not only unnecessary but detrimental to the communal spirit of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Panic buying often stems from a fear of scarcity, a concern that essential items like candles, flowers, and bottled water might run out. This fear can quickly spiral into irrational behavior, leading to unnecessary stockpiling. Such action creates artificial shortages, a self-fulfilling prophecy where the perceived lack of supply leads to actual scarcity. This can be particularly distressing for those who may not have the means or opportunity to buy in advance, leaving them without essentials during a time meant for peaceful observance and remembrance.
Hoarding also disrupts the equilibrium of fair pricing. When demand spikes suddenly and unnaturally due to panic buying, prices can inflate, sometimes unscrupulously. This price increase not only impacts the individual buyer but also affects the entire community. It is especially unfair to the less fortunate who may find prices of essentials skyrocketing beyond their reach, hindering their ability to participate fully in the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day traditions.
Moreover, the practice of over-purchasing disregards the communal ethos of sharing and consideration that are intrinsic to Filipino culture, particularly during religious and cultural observances. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is a time for unity and shared remembrance, and hoarding contradicts this spirit. It shifts the focus from communal reverence to individualistic concern, detracting from the solemnity and togetherness that these days are meant to foster.
It is also important to consider the logistical strain that panic buying places on retailers and suppliers. When consumers buy more than they need, it challenges the supply chain’s ability to replenish stocks timely. This can lead to unnecessary stress and overextension of resources, which could be better allocated to ensure steady availability for everyone.
In light of these considerations, it is heartening to note that measures are in place to ensure stability in supply and pricing, as reported in the initiatives taken by various entities, including the Department of Trade and Industry. However, the onus is not solely on regulatory bodies or suppliers. As consumers and participants in the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the responsibility also falls on each individual to act rationally and considerately.
As we honor our departed loved ones, let us also honor the values of empathy, community, and rationality. By refraining from panic buying and hoarding, we contribute to a more equitable, serene, and respectful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. In doing so, we uphold not only tradition but also the underlying principles of unity and mutual respect that are fundamental to our society.
