More ‘galunggong’ imports mulled

MANILA, Philippines — While the initial 17,000 metric tons (MT) of galunggong (round scad) have yet to enter the country, the government may consider additional imports as markets outside Metro Manila continue to experience insufficient supply of the fish.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) also expected the damage brought by Typhoon Ompong to require additional importation.

“The 17,000 MT is only for Metro Manila. Other places like Iloilo and Davao have already requested (for additional supply),” BFAR director Eduardo Gongona told reporters on the sidelines of the 55th Fish Conservation Week opening yesterday.

“We will also see if the production from Laguna, Batangas and portions of Mindanao will be enough; otherwise, we have to import,” he added.

BFAR originally requested to import 52,000 MT of galunggong but the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council only approved 17,000 MT to be imported.

“We have to consider that it is lean season and we will be implementing the off-fishing season. We just have to wait once the 17,000 arrive and look if it will be enough,” Gongona said.

Of the 17,000 MT, 80 percent has been allocated for commercial sales while 20 percent is for cooperatives and associations.

BFAR said the arrival of the imports is expected by the end of the month.

“It is very easy to say that once supply is there, prices would go down. But there are other market forces that dictate the prices, like the traders. There are variables that should be addressed,” Gongona said.

BFAR said prices would fall, with the suggested retail price of P140 per kilo or even lower.

Retail prices are still at a high of P160 to P200 per kilo. – With Gilbert Bayoran