CITY Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr. assured on Wednesday that the city government will formulate and implement a labeling system for the Dagupan bangus to prevent deception of consumers due to the unabated influx of ‘alien bangus’ in the city.

Fernandez stressed that “there shall be truth in labeling” and differentiation of the Dagupan bangus from the ‘alien bangus.’

He directed the fisheries management section of the city agriculture’s office and the market division to present an effective and more viable labeling system to set apart the Dagupan bangus, widely known as the tastiest of its kind, from those coming from other sources.

Considering that it will be illegal for the city government to impose a ban on bangus from other provinces as proposed earlier (See related story on this) Fernandez instead sought the participation of bangus wholesalers (consignaciones), urging them to help the government decide on how to deal with the inferior bangus, particularly because of its mud-like odor and poor taste.

City agriculturist Emma Molina bared that at least two tons of bangus harvested in Bulacan and Zambales were delivered here at the height of typhoons Chedeng and Dodong. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)