The Ilagan City Public Market is experiencing fluctuating prices on essential goods, presenting challenges for both vendors and consumers.
Prices are shifting across various food categories. Chicken prices have dropped from ₱220 to ₱180-₱190 per kilo, while milkfish has also seen a decrease, from ₱220 to ₱190-₱200. However, beef prices have slightly increased, ranging from ₱300-₱400 per kilo depending on the cut (up from ₱280-₱380). Seafood prices have shown a significant increase, with swordfish now at ₱420 per kilo, squid at ₱480, and shrimp at ₱550. Conversely, vegetable prices have generally decreased.
One vendor, Shiela Mae Biagtan, selling fish and chicken, noted, “The prices fluctuate; sometimes high, sometimes low. But usually now with fish, it’s not stable; it’s really expensive, and sales are slow.” This highlights the difficulty vendors face in maintaining consistent pricing due to inconsistent supply. Other vendors echoed similar sentiments about slow sales and the struggle to adjust to the volatile market.
The unstable prices at the Ilagan City Public Market underscore the need for a more stable supply chain and potentially government intervention to address the challenges faced by both vendors and consumers alike.#
By Jesicka Antenor, Media Trainee
