The price of a kilo of milkfish or bangus at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City has gone down to P160, lower by P20 from the previous P180 per kilo. 

Some businessmen said this is because of a surplus in supply.

"Medyo bumaba ngayon kasi marami naglabas," Magielyn Castro, a local business owner, said.

The challenge to bangus growers and market operators is when the price will drop further down, for example, to P70. This will mean loss of income.

"Mostly, ang complain ng nagbabagsak dito, yung nagha-harvest, halos walang kinikita. Most of the time, lugi pa sila because yung feeds hindi bumababa, pataas ng pataas." Imelda Maramba, a consignación operator, said.

For now, Eunice Guadiz, a consumer, welcomed the price drop. "Malaking bawas, malaking tipid sa budget," she said.

The Pangasinan Provincial Agriculture Office said that increased fish supply and weather conditions affecting production contribute to the fluctuation in fish prices. A possible increase is anticipated as the Lenten season approaches.

"Marami kasing factors kapag sinabi nating bangus… unang-una, ‘yung presyo ng farm inputs, ‘yung feeds… ang feeds naman, laging tumataas. Gumagamit din ng fuel. ‘Yung fuel cost, tumataas din," Dalisa Moya, Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist, said.