ILOILO City – The province of Guimaras has provided a venue for bangus or milkfish growers to showcase their produce through the first Bangus Fair held at the capitol grounds on Friday, Dec. 16.
Guimaras governor JC Rahman Nava, in his message during the program, said they intend to establish an agri-fishery industrial village in Barangay Sapal in San Lorenzo town to further support the sector.
This, he added, is aside from incorporating the fishery sector into the tourism circuit.
“Our aim is to lower the cost of production in Guimaras, making our products more competitive outside, price-wise,” Nava said.
Provincial agriculturist Alvin Nava, for his part, said that he was trying to introduce bangus as an emerging industry in the province.
Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources chair, Luben Vilches, said the province is not only producing quality bangus but is likewise helping build the economy, particularly in Sibunag town.
“More or less 600 families are dependent on the operation of bangus culture in Sibunag,” he noted.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that in 2018, Guimaras shipped out 350 tons of milkfish; almost 800 tons in 2019; 600 tons in 2020; and almost 800 tons in 2021. From January to September this year, production has also exceeded 1,000 tons.
The Bangus Fair organizer, in partnership with the Sibunag Fish Producers Association, has allotted 5.1 tons of milkfish for the one-day event, which were sold at P165 to P175 per kilogram. (PNA)/PN
