Prices of tilapia have dropped to P20 per kilo in Buhi, Camarines Sur following a fish kill at Lake Buhi. 

Normally, a kilo of tilapia would cost P130. 

Leonesa Soriano, a local buyer, took advantage of the low prices, purchasing over five kilos.

"[Pi]prituhin po tapos paksiwon — daingon para po pang ulam," Soriano said.

According to the Lake Development Office, the fish kill was caused by low dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Buhi, which were exacerbated by recent heavy rains. As a result, many fish cage operators were forced to harvest their tilapia prematurely.

Crisanto Bon, a fish cage operator, said despite the losses, he chose to sell the fish at a low price rather than let them go to waste.

"Pinapabakal na lang ta para mapakinabangan pa — hindi lang makakalahati fingerlings lang siguro... kahit ngani fingerlings dae makabawi," he said.

The Buhi local government said the fish kill has impacted 25 fish cage operators in the area.

"Yung assessment ng lake development office ay estimated nasa seven tons na po yung damages ng fish kill na nangyari dito sa Buhi," Mark Nazarre, LGU Buhi spokesperson, said.

"'Yung weather natin ngayon diba may paulan-ulan so may mga times talaga na malakas yung ulan niya — possible na-disturb talaga yung balance ng water parameters sa lake Buhi," he added.

In response, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has taken samples of the water at the lake for study. 

It advised fish cage operators to proceed with harvesting their tilapia to prevent further losses.