by: Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 20 (PIA 9) - - Price of sardines might increase said the President of the Industrial Group of Zamboanga (IGZ) Engr. George Ledesma.
Ledesma said, due to the scarcity of tamban, (fish species used for making canned and bottled sardines), an increase of price of sardines is a possibility.
“There is a possibility because of the scarcity of Tamban. Prior to the closed fishing season, there was already scarcity of the fish,” Ledesma explained.
Ledesma said, other contributory factor to the possible price increase is the market demand. “If there is scarcity of supply then the demand will increase this December, then definitely the price will go up,” he said.
However, Ledesma said, if the demand for sardines will not rise, then the price would remain stable. “Even if you have low supply and there is no demand for sardines for this season, definitely the price will not go up, “he expressed.
Ledesma however clarified that the possible prince increase in sardines is not due to the closed fishing season being implemented by the government’s aquatic and resources bureau, December 2011 to March 2012 to give time for the fishes to spawn.
The closed fishing season temporarily put on hold the jobs of some 30,000 workers from the fishing and canning industries.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9 in response to the plight of the affected workers launched SAGIP Tamban alternative employment program to help the workers.
The city has 13 major sardines manufacturing companies and two tin can manufacturer whose clients are the sardines manufacturing companies. (JPA/PIA-ZBST)