DA, DTI told to monitor prices of fish, veggies this Holy Week

File photo by WILLIE LOMIBAO / Inquirer Northern Luzon)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should closely monitor prices of basic goods and commodities this Holy Week amid reports of rising cost of fish and vegetables, a lawmaker said on Monday.

Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said that it is laudable that the DA updates its website to show prices of fish, meat, vegetables, and other produce being sold in the market.

Lee said, however, it would be better if prices were monitored and suggested retail prices (SRPs) were set so that consumers would be aware if the goods were being overpriced.

“We are pleased that the DA is constantly updating prices of meat, fish, and vegetables on its website.  But we have also noticed that prevailing retail prices are posted,” Lee said in Filipino.

“It might be better if we can also place SRPs [suggested retail prices] so consumers would have a baseline if the items they bought are overpriced or not,” he added.

Lee said that while he understands that there may be an increase in prices of several goods due to supply and demand factors — particularly fish, which Catholics consume in place of meat as a form of penitence — the DA and DTI should ensure that a surge in demand is not being abused.

“I hope the DA and the DTI would monitor those who may abuse the increase in prices, especially this Holy Week, by increasing prices of goods to unjustifiable levels,” he added.

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Lee said the strict monitoring that the DA was doing should extend beyond Metro Manila.

Last March 22, the DA spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, said fish prices are expected to rise up by 20 percent this Holy Week.

Lee said that based on DA’s March 22 monitoring of Metro Manila markets, the retail price of milkfish ranged from P150 and P220 per kilo; tilapia, between P120 to P160 per kilo; local round scad, from P180 to P300 per kilo, imported round scad, from P180 to P200 per kilo; and Indian mackerel, between P280 to P350 per kilo.

He also assured that there is a sufficient supply of fish since the fishing season has been reopened.

The DA,  however, is puzzled at the increase in pork prices before the Holy Week, given that Catholics observing the Holy Week usually shun pork and beef, and opt for chicken and fish.