One group reminded that fish is now a good alternative to meat amid the increasing prices of commodities due to the pandemic and outbreak of African swine fever in the country.
According to the Tugon Kabuhayan group on Wednesday, bangus and tilapia are a good source of nutrients, especially since the price of pork and chicken meat has kicked off due to the lack of supply.
“Per capita, Filipinos consume about 60 kilos of meat protein per year. Sixty percent of that, or roughly 36 kilos, come from fish, according to government data. Hence, fish – like bangus and tilapia – can be a real ‘life saver’ especially for low income families,” the group said.
The price of pork has reached P400 per kilo, according to monitoring by the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to the Agricultural Industry Association (SINAG), 70 percent or 4.5 million pigs have been lost in Luzon due to African swine fever.
There are only 1.5 million pigs left because they are said to be in danger of extinction.
Meanwhile, the price of tilapia is P120 and bangus is P170. The price of such fish is also lower than galunggong, which is between P200 to P260, said the group whose Convener is the former head of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Atty. Asis Perez.
Fish is a good alternative to meat – group
The group, on the other hand, is confident that the price of fish will decrease in the coming months by up to P60 per kilo because their supply is said to be sufficient.
It is said that the price of tilapia in February or March will reach P110 to P120.
“We strongly urge the public to buy more affordable and locally produced bangus and tilapia. Patronizing these commodities will encourage production which will further stabilize supply and fish prices,” the group said.
“Data shared by fish producers from Taal and Pampanga show that tilapia farm gate price is starting to exhibit a downward trend. Price of tilapia is expected to further dip starting April,” they explained.
“Prices of all fish are expected to decrease as more fish become available as the closed season of [galunggong] will end on Jan. 31,” it added.