When buying Bangus, Look for the Tag

Bangus (milkfish) grown in ponds and cages in Dagupan City in Pangasinan will carry a tag marked “Dagupan Certified” when sold in markets starting this week.

The city government decided to start labeling bangus on Tuesday to protect the homegrown variety from unscrupulous traders who try to pass off as the genuine article those grown in other areas.

Bangus grown in Dagupan is said to be tastiest and juiciest in the country.

“This is a dream fulfilled for our fishermen,” said Mayor Belen Fernandez.

According to her, the tagging will give an added value to the city’s main produce aside from assuring consumers that they are buying the real McCoy.

The city government will also authorize dealers to sell Dagupan bangus anywhere in the country as part of its marketing plan.

City agriculturist Emma Molina said the tagging was implemented through an ordinance passed by the city council in January.

Each bangus has a 1 inch by 1 inch yellow and white plastic tag attached to its right gill flap by a tagging gun.

The tag will not easily fall off because the end of a strip at the bottom of the tag is shaped like an arrow.

Under the ordinance, bangus growers here must register with the city government to avail themselves of the tags. About 500 operators raise bangus in more than 900 hectares of ponds in the city.

Upon registration, bangus growers should inform the city agriculturist of  the date of their harvest and the number of their stock. City agriculture office personnel will then supervise the harvest and escort the boat loaded with the harvest to the fish market here.

Each tag costs only about 50 centavos, so this will not affect the price of bangus, which sells from P90 to P110 a kilogram.

                                   * * *

image by www.saranganibay.com