Producers assure no bangus shortage in Pangasinan
BANGUS producers belied recent media reports that the reason behind the higher selling price of bngus in Pangasinan is low supply and proceeded to assure households that there is no shortage of bangus (milkfish) in the province.
The Samahan ng Magbabangus ng Pangasinan (SaMaPa), the province’s main association of milkfish growers, clarified that the increase in bangus prices is not due to a supply shortage but a reflection of a well-balanced market that takes into consideration production costs and market demand.
SaMaPa president Christopher Aldo Sibayan responded to news implying a shortage of bangus at the Magsaysay Market in Dagupan City, saying, “The supply of bangus remains ample, and the price increase is a result of market conditions that ensure fair compensation for our growers.”
He said despite suffering losses in the first three quarters of the year due to low prices — falling to between P90–P100 per kilo, well below the production cost of P135 per kilo — the industry remains viable and strong.
When some small-scale producers were suffered losses temporarily and halted production, majority of operators continued raising bangus to maintain market supply. Many of those who suspended operations have since resumed production.
Sibayan also noted that bangus remains more affordable than galunggong, which is currently retailing at P280 to P300/k.
Sibayan’s statement was supported by Rosendo So, president of the Samahan ng Industriyang Agrikultura (SINAG), who participated in discussions with SaMaPa to confirm the industry’s stability.
Major producers like Tiera Norte, headed by Alex Soriano, which supplies five tons of bangus nightly to Magsaysay Market, also assured that production will continue without interruption.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region has been proactively supporting the industry by helping small-scale producers find alternative markets and ensuring they have the necessary resources, such as fingerlings, to maintain production.
“We are grateful for the support from BFAR, especially in guiding smaller operators and helping us reach new markets,” Sibayan said. (Eva Visperas)
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