CALASIAO, PANGASINAN — After enduring devastating typhoons last year and a growth-stunting cold spell in early 2026, the Philippines’ leading bangus (milkfish) producers are facing a critical shortage of fry, causing prices to nearly double as the peak stocking season begins.
Pangasinan, which produces over 100,000 metric tons of bangus annually, requires more than 600 million fry each year. However, local hatcheries only provide about 20% of that demand, leaving the industry heavily dependent on imports.
- Price Surge: The cost of regular small fry (20–21 days old) has jumped from 20 centavos to 40 centavos, while larger fry (27–28 days old) now cost 50 centavos, up from 30 centavos.
- Global Competition: Most imported fry come from Indonesia, but Philippine growers are being outbid by Taiwanese buyers who offer premium prices for “Triple A class” stock. Additionally, Malaysia is entering the market, further tightening the regional supply.
- Extreme Weather: Typhoons “Emong” and “Uwan” in 2025 flooded nursery ponds, while a recent cold spell in December and January stunted the growth of existing stock.
- Land Development: The massive airport development in Bulacan has wiped out large areas of traditional bangus nursery ponds, forcing growers to look elsewhere for fingerlings.
- Hatchery Struggles: High electricity rates (70% higher than Indonesia) and the Philippine climate—specifically low salinity during rainy months—make local commercial hatcheries difficult to operate profitably.
To address the “weak link” in the production chain, the Pangasinan provincial government recently broke ground on a ₱238.9-million hatchery project in Bolinao.
- Goal: Supported by the World Bank, the facility aims to produce 100.78 million fry and 48.05 million larvae annually.
- Future Plans: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also planning additional hatcheries in other provinces, including Ilocos Sur.
Industry leaders estimate the Philippines needs a total of 5 billion fry annually to sustain its national appetite for its “national fish.” Currently, about 3.5 billion are imported.