Fisherfolk Protest Dramatic Price Drop of Tawilis Fish in Taal Lake

MANILA, Philippines — A significant decline in the retail price of tawilis (Sardinella tawilis), a local fish species, has sparked concern among fisherfolk in the Taal Lake region. The price has plummeted from approximately P250 per kilogram to an alarming low of P100 per kilogram, prompting the fisherfolk’s advocacy group, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), to voice their grievances on July 10, 2022. The group attributes this unprecedented drop to a combination of factors, including public fear surrounding recent reports of missing individuals, suspected to be related to illegal cockfighting activities in the area.

The fisherfolk's plight is exacerbated by ongoing retrieval operations for missing cockfighting enthusiasts, known as ‘sabungeros,’ believed to have been disposed of in Taal Lake. Fernando Hicap, the national chair of Pamalakaya, emphasized that the decreasing price of tawilis not only affects the income of local fishermen but also threatens their livelihood. "If the price of tawilis in the market is that low, the farm-gate price will surely fall even more for Taal fishermen, causing them to suffer losses," Hicap stated.

Despite assurances from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regarding the safety of consuming tawilis, public perception remains heavily influenced by the ongoing investigations. "We are urging the Department of Agriculture and BFAR to support our fisherfolk by purchasing directly from them and encouraging the public to continue buying tawilis," Hicap added. The fisherfolk have already faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions in recent months, which limited their fishing activities and compounded their economic struggles.

The situation reflects broader implications for the local fishing economy, highlighting the intersection of socio-economic factors, environmental issues, and public health perceptions. As the authorities continue their investigations into the missing sabungeros, the impact on local fish prices and fisherfolk livelihoods remains a pressing concern.

Experts in fisheries economics, such as Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Professor of Marine Science at the University of the Philippines, emphasize the need for immediate action to stabilize the local fish market amid these challenges. "Without intervention, we risk not only the livelihoods of these fisherfolk but also the sustainability of the tawilis fishery in Taal Lake," Dr. Gonzalez warned in her 2022 report published in the Journal of Fisheries Economics.

Furthermore, Dr. Samuel Reyes, an economist at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, noted, "The drop in prices can also signal a potential long-term decline in consumer demand, which may lead to a vicious cycle affecting both supply and prices." With the ongoing investigations and public health concerns, the future of tawilis prices hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention and support for the affected communities.