MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday called on fish retailers to avoid taking advantage of consumers amid the observance of Holy Week.
This comes with the expected increase in demand for fish and other seafood as most Catholics abstain from eating meat, especially during Good Friday.
In an interview, DA deputy spokesperson Assistant Secretary Joycel Panlilio said the highest recorded prices of fish products in local markets should not exceed further.
“Huwag po sana nating gawing dahilan ang Holy Week at pagtaas ng demand sa ating mga isda ngayong Semana Santa para po ang ating mga kababayan para po ang ating mga kababayan na mag-e-enjoy sa fish ay hindi po mahirapan o iyong kanila pong pagbili ay sa tamang presyo lang (Let’s not use the Holy Week and the increase in demand as excuse amid the Lenten so our fellow countrymen who enjoy fish will not have a hard time or their buying will be at a reasonable price only),” she said.
The DA earlier said price adjustments on retail fish do not go beyond a 15 percent increase.
Panlilio also said consumers who observe Lenten traditions will have an adequate source of fish.
“Sisiguruhin po namin na may enough na supply sa merkado (We will make sure that there’s enough supply in the market) this coming Holy Week,” she said.
She also assured continuous close monitoring of fish prices in the local markets.
As of Monday, prices of milkfish in Metro Manila range from PHP140 per kilogram to PHP250 per kg.; PHP120 per kg. to PHP180 per kg. for tilapia; PHP180 per kg. to PHP320 per kg. of galunggong, according to the DA Bantay Presyo. (PNA)