Milkfish (bangus) and tilapia. INQUIRER.net photo
MANILA, Philippines — Fish prices may go up in the last quarter of the year due to a projected decrease in supply because of the “adverse impacts” of rising domestic pump prices on the sector.
In a statement, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that fisherfolk had either abandoned their livelihood and found alternative jobs or reduced their fishing activities as their meager income made it challenging for them to recover ever-rising production costs.
Around 80 percent of their earnings go to fuel alone.
“Fishermen will not be able to recover from the continuous increase in the prices of petroleum products, particularly crude oil for fishing vessels,” said Ronnel Arambulo, national spokesperson for Pamalakaya.
He reiterated the group’s plea for a P15,000 subsidy to cover a fisherman’s fuel expenses for at least two months.
Tugon Kabuhayan also urged the government to prioritize the agriculture sector or more farmers would stop farming while fishermen would cease plying their trade.
—JORDEENE B. LAGARE
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