Prices for bangus (milkfish) have increased by P20 per kilo at the Magsaysay Fish Market in Dagupan City.
The recent heavy rains and storms have impacted the supply of bangus, leading to higher prices.
“Pahirapan ang supply dahil sa dumating na bagyo,” Jojo Ico, a consignation operator, said.
This shortage has affected retailers, including Jolly Marcella, who now receives only 200 kilos of bangus daily, down from 500 kilos before.
“Mataas tapos konti yung suplay ng bangus. Yung biyahe ng madaling araw hanggang ngayon hindi pa nakakuha,” Marcella said.
Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of the local fishermen’s group, said prices may stabilize once the weather goes back to normal.
“Kapag mag-normalize yung weather, medyo mag-normalize din ‘yung stocks. Sa ngayon, may konting kataasan talaga yung presyo,” Engr. Rosendo So, chairman of the local fishermen’s group, said.
Consumers are feeling the pinch, as well.
“Siyempre, kung titignan na natin, mabigat sa bulsa. Siyempre, kailangan natin. Gagawan ng paraan,” Fe Bernabe, a shopper, said.