Business · Philippines Bureau
Caraga seafood costs soar inland, remain affordable on coast
A regional market survey reveals sharp price disparities for seafood across Caraga, with consumers in coastal areas paying significantly less than those in inland communities. The pricing gap underscores the economic challenges faced by landlocked municipalities in accessing affordable fresh fish and marine products.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Seafood prices in the Caraga region vary dramatically depending on proximity to fishing grounds, according to market monitoring data from the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
A BFAR-Caraga price survey conducted during the second week of the month documented substantial cost differences between coastal and inland municipalities. Residents in towns along the shoreline benefit from direct access to local fish suppliers and lower transportation costs, enabling them to purchase fresh seafood at significantly reduced prices compared to their inland counterparts.
Inland communities face steeper expenses due to increased distribution costs, longer supply chains, and limited direct access to fishing operations. The price gap reflects broader logistical challenges in the region's commodity distribution network, particularly for perishable products that require rapid transport.
The findings highlight economic disparities within Caraga that extend beyond the fishing industry itself. Government agencies and local officials may use the data to inform policies aimed at improving market access and stabilizing seafood prices across the region's diverse geographic areas.