Amid rising prices of galunggong, Dar says ‘there are other options’

Agriculture Secretary William Dar answers questions from reporters after a confirmation hearing on his ad interim appointment on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019. Photo by Christia Marie Ramos/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Amid the rising prices of what was once called a poor man’s fish, Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Tuesday told consumers that they should not depend on galunggong (round scad) as their only option.

“There are many other sources of fishes na pwedeng kainin ng isang Pilipino. Ngayon ay mataas di huwag ka na bumili dun sa galunggong. Bumili ka sa mas mura na available naman sa merkado. Bangus, tilapia at iba’t-iba pa. Marami namang sources na galing sa oceans,” Dar told reporters after a confirmation hearing on his ad interim appointment as agriculture secretary.

(There are many other sources of fishes that the Filipino consumers can eat. Today, the prices are high so don’t buy them. Buy something cheaper in the market. Milkfish, tilapia. There are other sources from the oceans).

“Let’s not make it na (that) galuggong will be ,you know, the main stay. There are other options,” he added.

The DA has earlier approved the importation of 45,000 metric tons fish, including round scad, in a bid to lower high market prices.

“Wag tayong umasa na galunggong lang ang ulam natin. Marami pang ibang sources ng protina,” he added.

(We should not expect that round scad is our only option. There are other sources of protein).

Edited by MUF