Prices of fish and vegetables at the Pasig City Mega Market remain generally stable as Holy Week draws near, but vendors and consumers alike are already anticipating possible increases as demand begins to rise.
Fish vendor Owen Tentengco said supply remains sufficient for now, helping keep prices manageable, though slight fluctuations have already been observed.
“Medyo bumaba ngayon nang konti. Ewan lang natin sa Holy Week kung baka medyo tumaas. Depende sa dating ng kalakal yun,” he said.
He emphasized that vendors try to avoid increasing prices unless necessary, noting that higher costs can make it harder to sell.
“Ang hirap din magbenta pag mahal. Kaya hindi kami nagtataas,” he added, explaining that any price adjustments may come later in the week.
“Siguro Miyerkules Santo, tataasan. Pero Lunes Santo hanggang Martes Santo, wala pa.”
Buyers are also keeping a close watch on prices. Roberto Ramos, who is preparing to purchase fish and vegetables for Holy Week meals, said that while current prices are still reasonable, increases may soon follow.
“Sa ngayon, di pa gaano ramdam pero baka sa susunod na araw, tataas na rin lahat ng mga bilihin dito,” he said.
Meanwhile, vegetable vendor Maybelle noted that carrots have already shown early signs of price increases and warned that more vegetables may follow as Holy Week approaches, when meat consumption typically declines.
“Ngayong paparating na Holy Week, baka tumaas pa yung presyo ng gulay. Di ba bawal sa karne ngayon,” she said.
She added that rising supplier costs and fuel prices directly affect retail prices.
“Yung mga kinukuhanan din, tumataas yung presyo tas tumataas rin kami,” she said. “Pag tumataas yung gasolina, tumataas rin yung presyo.”
For low-income households, even modest price hikes can have a serious impact. Neng Alcantara, who budgets P6,000 weekly to feed a 10-member family, said any increase puts additional strain on their already tight finances.
“Pag tumataas yung bilihin… parang masakit sa dibdib yun. Katulad naming mahihirap, hindi kaya ang budget na malaki. Kailangan maliit lang. Magkano lang naman ang kinikita namin sa isang buwan. Magpalagay na 10,000, kakasya ba yun?” she said.
Vendors expect more noticeable movement midweek, as households prepare for the traditional abstinence from meat.
