DA-BFAR vows stable fish prices despite Holy Week demand

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources assures the public of steady prices of fish in the country despite the expected high demand during the Holy Week. INQUIRER file photo / Willie Lomibao

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Wednesday said that the price of fish is not expected to increase despite the anticipated demand during the Holy Week.

As a predominantly Catholic country, most Filipinos are expected to abstain from meat and choose seafood during the Lenten season, said the DA-BFAR.

“We neither expect a shortage nor a sudden jump in prices of fish on a national scale,” said  DA-BFAR spokesperson Nazario C. Briguera in a statement.

According to the DA-BFAR, local galunggong is currently P240 per kilo in wholesale and retail prices, while bangus ranges from P130 to 160 per kilo. Tilapia is currently priced at P120 to P150 per kilo.

“Price change might be influenced by the source area of the commodity,” said the DA-BFAR.

Briguera pointed to Oriental Mindoro and surrounding areas, whose fish production has been impacted by the oil spill due to a continuous fishing ban.

He said, however, that the province only accounted for 0.07 percent of the country’s fish production. Briguera said that the DA-BFAR is not downplaying the oil spill incident, and proper government interventions have been undertaken.

“Patuloy po tayong gumagawa ng mga hakbang upang masiguro ang fish sufficiency sa ating bansa. Hangad po namin ang mataimtim at payapang Semana Santa para sa ating lahat ngayong taon,” Briguera said.

(We continue to take measures to ensure fish sufficiency in our country. We are hoping for a solemn and peaceful Holy Week this year.)

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JPV