The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) issued an assurance that consumers will continue to experience sufficient food supply and stable prices during the Holy Week.
This is despite higher demand for seafood and fish as faithfuls observe the Lenten season.
“Walang dapat ipag-alala ang ating mga kababayan na mangingilin at hindi kakain ng karne ngayong Semana Santa dahil sapat po ang suplay ng isda sa ating fish ports at mga palengke,” DA-BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said.
Bruguera said galunggong, bangus, and tilapia will continue to have supplies in Metro Manila retail and wholesale markets despite fears of fish shortage due to the Oriental Mindoro oil spill.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, fish from Oriental Mindoro accounts for 0.07% or 4.33 million metric tons in the country’s total fish production.
“We neither expect a shortage nor a sudden jump in prices of fish on a national scale. Relief and livelihood assistance and various government interventions have been in place to contain the situation in Oriental Mindoro,” Briguera said.
“Kami man sa DA-BFAR ay naglunsad ng mga programa para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga mangingisdang apektado ng oil spill doon,” he said. AG – gb