MANILA -- The Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines has raised concerns over the potential decline in the availability of low-cost canned sardines in the market, citing the continued rise in production costs over the past several years. 

According to the group, the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of their products has not increased for the last three years, despite their appeals to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

“Yung P3 increase in the SRP price of sardines, that’s for the economy products, have been requested many years ago… mga 3-4 years ago, they never granted that to us,” said Francisco Buencamino, Executive Director, Canned Sardines Association of the Philippines

A STAPLE FOR BUDGET CONSCIOUS FILIPINOS 

Among the many Filipinos who rely on sardines for their daily meals is Rupert Balmores, a working student and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver. 

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For him, a single can of sardines often serves as both breakfast and lunch, especially during when money is tight. 

Sardines are currently sold at ₱22 to ₱32 per 155-gram can, making them a go-to food item for many minimum wage earners, according to local vendors. 

“Kumakain po ng sardinas. Minsan isang delata pinagsha-share. Ang ginagawa ko po diyan, hindi ko po siya mismo talagang kinakain ng galing sa lata po. Ginagawa ko po, parang ginigisa ko. Nilalagyan ko ng sibuyas tapos nilalagyan ko po ng itlog... Tapos pag may bahaw pina-fried ko po siya dun. Yun po yung ginagawa ko minsan ma'am. Para makatipid,” said Balmores. 

The canned sardines industry says it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain low prices as the sector struggles to cope with the rising cost of fuel for fishing vessels and higher prices for tin sheets used in packaging. 

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While there is currently no shortage of sardines in the country, Buencamino warned that production of low-cost sardines could decrease significantly if their request for a price adjustment continues to be denied. 

“Hindi mababawasan ang suplay ng sardinas, dahil marami naman, meron naman. Ang mababawas ay ang economy products. Yung low cost na sardinas, yung mga naka SRP. Yun yung ang mababawasan. Mababawasan ang production noon dahil any business entity will not allow himself to continue losing money until hindi na sila makakabangon. So you'll look for ways to sell your products at a higher price,” said Buencamino.

DTI STANDS FIRM FOR NOW 

The DTI said it is aware of the concerns but has yet to approve any price increases. 

“We're still going to consult with the manufacturers, but so far there's nothing on the table. We haven't discussed anything, right now there's no price increase,” said DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. 

“We always don't want a price increase for basic necessities so we always try to talk to them and go to the negotiating table and discuss kung ano ang puwede naming ibigay din sa kanila sa mga manufacturer. We just offered options for export, which is also good for them,” she added. 

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Roque said that the government remains committed to keeping prices of basic goods affordable for the public, and discussions are ongoing to find a balance. 

The DTI is scheduled to hold further dialogues with canned goods manufacturers next week to address these issues.