By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the buzzing stalls of a wet market in Quezon City, buyers weigh galunggong, bangus, and tilapia. Many reach for coins, hoping the price fits their budget. This week, October 6 to 10, 2025, fish prices remain a key concern for many households across Metro Manila.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) price monitoring system, these are the key trends seen during the week:
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Galunggong (round scad): Retail prices continued to face pressure, reaching upper‐end levels in several markets.
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Bangus (milkfish): Prices held relatively steady in some markets, though small fluctuations occurred depending on source and size.
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Tilapia: Still one of the more affordable options, though in certain markets prices edged upward due to supply constraints.
These weekly price figures reflect ongoing tension between demand, supply, and logistical costs.
What’s behind the price shifts?
Supply challenges. A decline in fish unloading at major ports and variable catches from fishing areas have tightened supply. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions and fishing bans in key coastal zones have also constrained fresh supply.
Importation efforts. To ease supply gaps, the government has allowed importation of small pelagic fish (including galunggong, tulingan, and bonito). Still, some groups say that import volumes have not always translated into lower retail prices.
Cost pressures along distribution chain. Transport, refrigeration, and market margins all add up. Wholesalers and vendors may need to absorb or pass on rising fuel and handling costs, which can push final prices higher.
Regulation and monitoring. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR continue to monitor market behavior. During past spikes (such as Holy Week), the DA warned against overpricing and reminded vendors to follow acceptable price ranges.
What this means for consumers
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For many households—especially those in Classes C, D, and E—the price of galunggong often sets the limit of what is affordable. When galunggong rises, some may shift to tilapia or cut the amount consumed.
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Even a modest increase of ₱10‑₱20 per kilo matters when families buy fish multiple times a week.
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Consumers are advised to shop early in the day, compare prices across stalls, and ask vendors about fish origin (local vs imported), which may explain price differences.
Government role and outlook
To bring relief to consumers, the government needs to carefully balance imports with support for local fisheries. Expanding cold‐chain and market infrastructure, improving transport links, and better forecasting of supply trends will help stabilize prices. At the same time, enforcement against profiteering can protect buyers from unfair markups.
Fishing bans in breeding zones must also be balanced with strategies to ensure food security during lean months. In the coming weeks, as fishing restrictions lift in parts of the country, supply may rebound and ease price pressures.
For now, every peso matters. Buyers stretching tight budgets are watching the scales—and the price tags—closely.
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