Romblon town eyes ‘trade ban’ on fish, coco lumber

MANILA, Philippines - With food supplies low and fish prices skyrocketing due to a fishing ban stemming from the tragedy that befell MV Princess of the Stars, a town in Romblon province is eyeing a trade ban of sorts on food items and coco lumber with neighboring towns. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Monday that officials of San Fernando town in Sibuyan Island want the livestock to meet the food needs of local residents first. Mayor Nanette Tansingco said this will at least address the problem of dwindling food supply caused by a fishing ban imposed by authorities last week. Tansingco also said the trade ban on coco lumber is meant to prioritize the use of coco lumber for local residents who have to repair their homes damaged by typhoon "Frank" last June. Authorities imposed the ban as a precautionary measure against possible contamination of the waters by endosulfan, a toxic pesticide aboard the capsized MV Princess of the Stars. On the other hand, Tansingco said the fishing ban had caused prices of fish to shoot up to as much as P160 to P170 per kilo. She said they are coordinating with the Agriculture Department for supplies of freshwater fish such as bangus and tilapia. Tansingco also deployed price monitoring teams to the town's markets, admitting they have a problem with price hikes in fish and meat. - GMANews.TV