ILOILO City – Prices of bangus in Western Visayas are expected to go down after stakeholders in the fish industry proposed the setting up of a Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores that will directly sell milkfish to consumers.
The proposal came after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 6 convened bangus industry stakeholders from Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo to address challenges in the production and marketing of food products.
The meeting resulted in a key proposal of establishing Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores to empower producers by offering direct sales channels, eliminating middlemen, and ensuring fair pricing. These outlets aim to provide high-quality products such as choice cuts at competitive prices to benefit both producers and consumers.
To address unstable market prices, stakeholders recommended using reefer vans to improve transport efficiency, ensure product freshness, and reduce spoilage.
Some cost-efficient production strategies like feed tolling systems and cooperative-driven feed mills were also discussed to lower feed costs and support the industry’s viability.
Cooperatives also plan to call for provincial ordinances to regulate the influx of bangus from other regions, protecting local producers and stabilizing markets.
Likewise, environmental concerns were raised including fish kill, which highlighted the need for stricter fish pen regulations and improved water quality monitoring to protect ecosystems and support sustainable aquaculture.
Stakeholders agreed to hold regular meetings, commencing in a Regional Bangus Congress planned early this year to strengthen collaboration and share best practices.
This initiative is a commitment of BFAR 6 to empower the bangus industry by ensuring a participative management strategy for the aquaculture sector. (PIA)
