MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is accordingly mulling on the possibility of importing “galunggong” to fill a purported shortage in local supply.

According to Ed Gongona, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), they are studying at importing about 45,000 metric tons of small pelagic fish including “galunggong” or “GG” and as well as mackerel due to lack of supply.

The dearth in supply, aggravated by inclement weather on high seas where the fish is gathered, pushed the current value of the kilogram of “galunggong” to as high as P250 per kilo from the previous P170 per kilo.

In this regard, the Fisherfolk National Forces of the Philippine Fisheries Movement (Fishing) said the Philippines does not need to import Galunggong.

In fact, the current shortfall is chargeable to BFAR’s three-month fishing ban, the root of the shortage of supply.

Lifting the ban will accordingly increase immediately supply of GG hence there is no need to import. (Gelica Paulo/IAMIGO/CNS)