02/10/2026
Barongoy
Let’s talk about Barongoy, the humble fish that saves many Bagangeños, especially those from lower-income families like me. I share this kay unay way ekita ko sine-e na isda sang lain na lugar.
This is one of the cheapest fish in town. It can sell for as high as ₱200 (probably the highest price for this fish), but the floor price can go as low as ₱80.
And you know Baganga. Daw Singapore na yaka attached sang Malaysia. 😂 People here are spending dollars.
In some part of Cotabato, Pork is only ₱220 per kilo. Here, they sell it for ₱370. In Davao City, lechon manok is ₱200 per piece only, here they sell it for ₱270.
There are many possible reasons why we can’t achieve these prices bisan pa agricultural ing lungsod ta. Una, Lack of programs for livestock farming, poor price control implementation, the pressures of being a tourism municipality, fuel prices. Nobody really knows.
But one thing is certain: crisis does not choose anyone. Rich or poor, everybody feels it.
And now we have the usual “the peso is weak because the dollar is strong” excuse, plus El Niño coming. Crops will be affected, food supply could tighten, and we can expect prices to go up.
Fuel. DORECO bills. Food. Everything.
My God. Hain kaya kita sin-e?
We need alternatives.
And then there is Barongoy.
Pwede Prito, Paksiw, Kilaw
Very Versatile. Oh diba?
Cheap, accessible, and malami. For many families trying to stretch their budget, this little fish can mean one more meal on the table.
Maybe Barongoy is not fancy.
But in times of crisis, we don’t need fancy. We need food.
So yes, we worry about the dollar. We worry about El Niño. We worry about rising prices.
But thank God for the fish.
Thank God for Barongoy. Recommended.