The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that 30,000 metric tons (MT) of galunggong and other fish are set to arrive in the Philippines by late October or early November, as retail prices for round scad have surged by P60 per kilo.
Currently, the price of galunggong once deemed a “poor man’s fish,” ranges from P240 to P360 per kilo, up from P200 to P300 last month.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources spokesman Nasser Briguera explained that the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council decided to increase imports to address the impact of recent typhoons on local fisheries.
The council aims to ensure that imported fish does not compete unfairly with local production and will implement a closed fishing season in Palawan starting November 1 and in the Zamboanga peninsula on November 15 to allow fish stocks to replenish.
The imported galunggong will be sourced from Vietnam and China, with officials hoping to make it more affordable for consumers despite rising inflation.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 7, 2024
