BANGUS lovers are now better guided when buying their favorite real, locally grown, tastier Bonuan bangus in the market.

City Mayor Alipio F. Fernandez, Jr. has stepped up the implementation of a labeling system for the Dagupan bangus (milkfish) to prevent deception of consumers due to the influx of ‘alien bangus’ in the city.

The mayor disclosed that the there shall be “truth in labeling” and differentiation of the Dagupan bangus from the ‘alien bangus,’ as a means of assuring the buyers their money’s worth.

According to market supervisor III Aguedo Sta. Maria, labeling boards that read “Dagupan Bangus” and “Pangasinan Bangus” have been installed at the Magsaysay Fish Market and the Malimgas public market.

The label boards will inform buyers that the milkfish comes from Dagupan, or from various parts of Pangasinan.

The city government however will not tag those fish types coming from other provinces such as Bulacan, Malabon, Laguna and Zambales.

The responsibility of handling and supervising the labeling system was passed on mainly to the shoulders of the city agriculture office and the market division of the city treasurer’s office.

The mayor assured that proper labeling will be strictly enforced among fish vendors and dealers as five inspectors who work on a 24-hour basis daily were deployed in the Magsaysay area.

Considering that it will be illegal for the city government to impose a ban on bangus from other provinces, Fernandez instead sought the participation of bangus wholesalers (consignaciones) and urged them to help the government deal with the inferior bangus, particularly because of its mud-like odor and poor taste (maablir).

The labeling of Bonuan bangus was one such measure adopted