FISHERS WARN TRADERS MAY PUSH UP GALUNGGONG PRICES DURING CLOSED SEASON

An activist fishers’ group, PAMALAKAYA, has accused traders of exploiting the annual closed fishing season to raise galunggong prices, which recently hit P300–P320 per kilogram.

The ban, meant to protect spawning fish stocks in the Visayan Sea and other areas, has worsened economic hardships for small-scale fishers while benefiting larger commercial operators.

The group highlighted that municipal fishers face hunger and insufficient government aid during the three-month closure, affecting tens of thousands in Panay and Batangas.

The Department of Agriculture cited tight domestic and global supply, as well as typhoon disruptions, for the rising prices of galunggong and other fish.

PAMALAKAYA urged the government to provide adequate financial support to affected fishers and to prevent traders from manipulating prices during the closed season.

Source: PhilNews24 | December 6, 2025