‘No bangus shortage due to cold weather’

DAGUPAN, Philippines — There is enough supply of milkfish despite the cold weather, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Ilocos has assured the public.

Nestor Domenden, BFAR regional director, said milkfish growers have foreseen the effects of the weather and adjusted the harvest period.

“Hindi masyadong palakain, di sila masyadong active, hindi masyado ang paglaki (They eat less, they are less active.They don’t grow much),” Domenden said of milkfish during cold weather.

He said it normally takes about four months before milkfish are harvested.

Domenden said the supply of milkfish is most abundant in December and January, contrary to claims that there is a decline in production during the said months.

He also denied reports that the growth of milkfish is stunted during cold weather.

“If it is lower than the average growth rate, we only say it’s slow growth,” Domenden said.

Region 1 supplies 50 to 60 percent of bangus traded in Metro Manila.