DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 11 (PNA) — Mayor Belen Fernandez is set to organize the Bangus Industry Development Council (BIDC) headed by herself as the first step to institutionalize the promotion and advancement of the bangus (milkfish) industry in Dagupan based on a newly approved city ordinance.
Under City Ordinance No. 2028-2015, the BIDC is the policy-making body that will formulate programs and strategies in the development of the local bangus industry intended to preserve the name and reputation of the Dagupan bangus, which is often being taken advantage of traders selling milkfish grown in other areas and passing it off as from Dagupan in order to gain more profits.
Milkfish grown in Dagupan feeds on “lablab, a microscopic plant teeming in the fishponds of Dagupan which makes the fish definitely tastier and commands better price than other milkfish grown in other areas in the Philippines.
The Dagupan bangus is grown in brackish water fishponds which is a mixture of fresh water drained into the city from the uplands and salty water from the Lingayen Gulf.
The Dagupan mayor earlier cited fish vendors in Metro Manila often put tags of “Dagupan bangus” in shelves of milkfish that they are selling even if the commodity they are peddling comes from other places, clearly hoodwinking the buyers.
Under the city ordinance, the BIDC shall formulate guidelines for the creation of the Bangus Industry Development Office (BIDO) which will serve as the implementing body of the BIDC, the Accreditation, Monitoring, Branding and Marketing Teams under it, as well as the Technical Working Group as coordinating body to the BIDC.
Mayor Fernandez said that with BIDC in place, the much-awaited branding of locally produced milkfish will soon be a reality.
She said that under the ordinance, the Dagupan bangus and Dagupan bangus products must bear the logo “Dagupan Certified” which shall be printed on all tags and labels attached to the tails of milkfish set to be shipped to other areas, particularly Metro Manila and Baguio City.
Only growers, dealers and processors accredited by BIDO are authorized to use the logo in their tags and labels, according to the ordinance.
Non-compliance with the requirements would be grounds for denial of application and revocation of certification. The ordinance likewise prescribes corresponding administrative penalties and criminal sanctions for unauthorized use of the logo.
To promote “Dagupan Certified Bangus” or “Dagupan Certified” Bangus products, the city shall use “Dagupan Certified” fresh bangus and other bangus processed products as gifts or tokens to visitors and dignitaries visiting the city; promote and advertise the same in orientation materials and brochures for local and international visits; and conduct promotional activities like trade fairs, conventions, events and contests. (PNA)