Swim further, sink dipper, consumers. If you aren't complaining, you're not from this country.
There is a big catch in the market. And these are not the fish products that come in "banyeras" (here meant as large tubs where the fish on sale are placed or stored). It is the fact of the rising costs of common food staples that women often buy for their families regularly.
As the President recently announced on social media about looking into the prices of the popular "galunggong", a pillar of Pinoy political advocacy for consumer rights to affordable food, it seems that other market items have been wallowing under the sun as well with their steep prices.
A kilo of "bangus" (milkfish), a common ingredient for the all-time favorite "sinigang", now tips the price scale at Php 150.00, to less than Php 200.00 plus in local markets down south of NCR.
In groceries, prices are further higher, and the same kilo depending on size, would cost about P50.00 more making it less than Php 300.00. A piece could last for about 2-5 days depending on the number of persons to dine in the family.
Other kinds of seafood, despite their lowered costs compared to the first two market items mentioned, are also not getting enough rave from consumers. Like the "pusit" (squid) and the "tilapia", with prices that are equal if not as expensive, but still unable to attract buys from customers.
The markets are more active now unlike in previous months when consumer buying needed a boost and approbation.
With the expensive costs of fish products in the market, what more can Filipinos buy as prices of meat and chicken are also not as affordable?
The increase in the prices of fish is noticeably above 25 percent than it was 5 years ago before the onset of the pandemic.
Vegetable produce seems to be the only thing that is within the grasp of the ordinary market goer as the budget shrinks not just for housewives but also for working dads.
News Review Philippines
February 12, 2024
