Bangus growers in Pangasinan are facing significant losses due to plummeting farmgate prices, currently ranging from P110 to P130 per kilo, depending on size.

The ‘Samahang Magbabangus ng Pangasinan’ (SAMAPA) reported several months of sustained low prices, which are exacerbating production costs amidst high feed and fish fry prices.

Christopher Aldo Sibayan, SAMAPA President, expressed concern over growers stopping production due to these challenges.

“Well, to tell you honestly, ilang buwan na kaming nagha-harvest ng palugi. Wala kaming magawa na producers, [kundi] i-harvest pa rin dahil, syempre, ‘yang mga yan [ay] kumakain ng feeds, hindi pwedeng patagalin,” he said.

If the issue persists, there is fear that fishpond workers could lose their livelihoods.

“Baka kaming mga trabahor wala na rin, kasi mawawala na ‘yung nga fishpond nila,” Joshua Estrada, a fishpond worker, said.

“Kung mawawalan kami ng trabaho halimbawa, kung sakali [na ‘yung] mga amo namin [ay] mawawalan ng hanapbuhay, [edi] pati kami rin,” Rufino Manlincon, another fishpond worker, added.

According to the ‘Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura’ (SINAG), overproduction of bangus is driving down prices at the farmgate.

SINAG plans to convene with bangus growers to appeal to the national government for assistance in dealing with the crisis.

“Marami kasing stocks ang bangus, pero mag-set kami ng meeting with them para pag-usapan kung paano ang gagawin,” Engr. Rosendo So, SINAG Chairman, said.

Meanwhile, prices at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City have slightly increased by P5 to P10 per kilogram, now ranging from P115 to P135 per kilogram, up from the previous P110 to P120 per kilogram.