Traders to introduce bangus brand labeling
TO PROTECT DAGUPAN BANGUS INDUSTRY
“Aliens” watch out!
Fish traders in Dagupan City, known as the Bangus Capital of the World, will soon be putting a label on the city’s produce to protect the industry from so-called “alien” bangus that come from other provinces.
Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. told local newsmen that the move was initiated by various consignaciones, a group of fish traders, who claim that they have been receiving numerous complaints from their suki (valued clients) about the imported variety.
Fernandez said the city government, through the fisheries management section of the city agriculture office, will formulate and implement a labeling system.
City agriculturist Emma Molina said her office plans to finalize the template by the end of September.
The “alien” bangus coming from Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna de Bay, among others, reportedly smell and taste like “mud” whereas the authentic Dagupan bangus is known for its fresh, milky taste.
Fernandez said the groups of traders respect free trade but stressed the need for more transparency in the identification of goods.
“They, too, have to police their own ranks,” he said.
Fernandez said the labeling will protect the city’s bangus industry.
The authenticity involves bulk suppliers who unload their produce at the Dawel Bridge and load them in bancas direct to the Magsaysay Fish Market to make it appear they came from the Bonuan, the biggest bangus-producing barangay in the city.
Dagupan bangus, given its superior quality, is priced at about P30-P35 higher than the “alien” kind.
Fernandez met last week with officers and members of the city agriculture and fishery council, city fisheries and aquatic resources management council and the Near Shore Fisherfolk Cooperative, Inc. to assess the situation and the fishery and agricultural needs of the barangays.
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