Fresh bangus (milkfish) flooded the streetside markets of Barangay Bonuan Gueset in Dagupan City as vendors reported strong sales following the escape of bangus from pens that overflowed during Super Typhoon #UwanPH.

By 9 a.m., vendor Lorita Vidal had nearly sold out her stock. She said she earned up to P5,000 the previous day from selling bangus priced between P50 and P150 per kilo, depending on size.

“Marami bumibili kasi mura,” Vidals said.

Buyers flocked to her stall to take advantage of the low prices.

Ryan Manuel, one of the customers, said he preferred buying along the roadside.

“Medyo kasi sariwa pa, eh,” he said.

Most of the bangus being sold came from fish pens and cages that overflowed as river levels suddenly rose amid heavy rains.

Nelson Lambojon, a fish grower, said they had prepared nets around the pens, but the sudden surge of water submerged them.

“Hindi naman inaasahan na ‘yung tubig lumaki kaya hindi rin mapipigilan ng bangus kung umapaw ‘yung ilog. Syempre lalabas talaga ‘yung bangus. Pabayaan mo na lang lumabas kasi pag ikaw lumabas, ikaw pa madali ng bagyo,” he said.

Lambojon said he felt disheartened by the loss, as he was supposed to harvest his fish in December.

According to Engr. Rosendo So, chairperson of the Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura (SINAG), many bangus growers suffered losses due to the typhoon.

“Lugi ‘yung mga bangus grower dahil ‘yung mga umapaw na bangus kung makikita natin eh ibinebenta ng 120–150 kasi siyempre walang puhunan ‘yun,” So said.

He added that the situation might affect the supply of bangus during the upcoming holiday season.