MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – For decades, galunggong, or scad, has been considered a poor man’s fish in the Philippines. It was abundant and inexpensive. Alas, it is a poor man’s fish no more.
Many public markets in Metro Manila are reporting a severe shortage of galunggong. Their sources of supply have stopped delivering the fish to their stalls. As a result, low-income consumers are upset that they are not able to buy the fish to feed their families.
An investigative report from our star reporter at The Adobo Chronicles uncovered the reason for the shortage.
It appears that galunggong suppliers are delivering the fish directly to 5-star hotels and restaurants in Metro Manila and other urban centers. The demand has significantly increased among these high-class establishments because galunggong is now part of their gourmet menu (see photo).
Galunggong is especially popular among foreign tourists out to experience the Philippines’ authentic, exotic cuisine.
An order of galunggong — one fried fish garnished with some mint or other leaves and sprinkled with either a sweet or sour sauce — at these establishments commands a price as high as two thousand pesos (about US $42). Rice is extra.
Upon hearing of the news, President Rod Duterte instructed Secretary Manny Piñol of the Department of Agriculture which has jurisdiction over the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to look into the reported shortage.
Duterte wants the resolve the problem within 24 hours.
MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Philippines has seen severe shortages of basic food items like rice, flour and garlic, but this is the first time that a banana shortage is being reported nationwide.
Public markets, groceries and supermarkets are all reporting very low supply of bananas, particularly the saba variety.
Saba bananas are widely used for Filipino delicacies like turon (banana egg roll), bananacue (sweetened fried banana on a barbecue stick) and maruya (banana fritters).
It didn’t take long for the Department of Agriculture to pinpoint the culprit — none other than incoming President Rod Duterte. Duterte had announced that during his June 30 inauguration at Malacañang (the presidential palace), he will feed the diplomatic corps and other guests with maruya and buko (coconut) juice, instead of expensive hors d’oeuvres and champagne.
In solidarity with their new president, many Filipinos are planning on serving maruya in their respective households, hence the shortage of saba bananas.
Duterte spokesperson Martin Andanar appealed to Filipinos for calm and assured them that the shortage is only temporary.
Instead of fretting over the banana shortage, Andanar encouraged Filipinos to turn to other fruit snacks and desserts, like mangoes, halo-halo and leche flan.
The Adobo Chronicles 
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