Fish, vegetable prices mostly stable ahead of Holy Week, vendors warn of possible increases

MANILA, March 30 ------ Prices of fish and vegetables at the Pasig City Mega Market remain mostly stable as Holy Week approaches, though vendors and consumers anticipate potential increases in the coming days due to higher demand.

Fish vendor Owen Tentengco said supplies are still adequate, helping keep prices manageable for now. “Medyo bumaba ngayon nang konti. Ewan lang natin sa Holy Week kung baka medyo tumaas. Depende sa dating ng kalakal yun,” he said. He added that sellers avoid raising prices unnecessarily. “Ang hirap din magbenta pag mahal. Kaya hindi kami nagtataas,” he added, noting that any adjustment may begin midweek. “Siguro Miyerkules Santo, tataasan. Pero Lunes Santo hanggang Martes Santo, wala pa.”

Shoppers also expect movement in prices. Roberto Ramos, who plans to prepare fish and vegetables for Holy Week, said that while prices remain manageable, increases are possible. “Sa ngayon, di pa gaano ramdam pero baka sa susunod na araw, tataas na rin lahat ng mga bilihin dito,” he said.

Vegetable vendor Maybelle confirmed that only carrots have shown early movement. “Ngayong paparating na Holy Week, baka tumaas pa yung presyo ng gulay. Di ba bawal sa karne ngayon,” she said. “Yung mga kinukuhanan din, tumataas yung presyo tas tumataas rin kami,” she added. “Pag tumataas yung gasolina, tumataas rin yung presyo.”

For households with tight budgets, the anticipated increases pose a challenge. Neng Alcantara, who allocates P6,000 for a week’s supply of food for a 10-member household, said price hikes strain their budget. “Pag tumataas yung bilihin… parang masakit sa dibdib yun. Katulad naming mahihirap, hindi kaya ang budget na malaki. Kailangan maliit lang. Magkano lang naman ang kinikita namin sa isang buwan. Magpalagay na 10,000, kakasya ba yun?” she added.

Below are fish prices as of March 30, 2026:

• Boneless bangus: P100 to P180 per kilo

• Bangus: P120 to P140 depending on size (up by P10 to P20)

• Galunggong: P90 to P120 per half kilo

• Tilapia: P60 to P65 per half kilo

• Tahong: P60 per half kilo

• Hipon: P90 to P160 per quarter kilo depending on size

• Salmon belly: P150 per half kilo

• Salmon head: P75 per half kilo

• Pusit: P120 to P130 per quarter kilo

• Tuna: P450 to P500 per kilo

• Hasa-hasa: P160 per half kilo (P320 per kilo)

• Dalagang bukid: P140 per half kilo

• Yellowfin: P320 whole, P400 fillet

Vegetable prices as of March 30, 2026:

• Carrots: P110 per kilo

• Kalabasa: P60 per kilo

• Sayote: P60 per kilo

• Bawang: P100 per kilo

• Sibuyas: P100 per kilo

• Talong: P80 per kilo

• Repolyo: P80 per kilo

• Labanos: P90 per kilo

• Ampalaya: P90 per kilo

• Patatas: P95 per kilo

• Malunggay: P10 per bundle

• Kangkong: P10 per bundle

• Sitaw: P20 per bundle

• Luya: P150 per kilo

Vendors expect more noticeable movement midweek, as households prepare for the traditional abstinence from meat.

Source: inquirer.net