Gov Santos-Recto reassures public Taal Lake fish safe, offers aid

Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto posted a video on her social media to reassure the public that fish from Taal Lake are safe to eat after concerns arose due to reports of bodies being dumped there.

Governor Santos-Recto and BFAR officials held a boodle fight in Laurel, sharing various fish dishes including tilapia, tawilis, and bangus to demonstrate their safety.

Fish vendors reported a 50 percent drop in sales since the news broke, with prices dropping from P250 per kilo to P100, affecting around 3,000 fishermen and fish vendors.

BFAR-Calabarzon Regional Director Sammy Malvas explained that tilapia and bangus raised in cages do not feed on decaying organic matter like rotting meat, further reassuring the public about their safety.

Governor Santos-Recto announced financial aid of P3,000 for each affected fisherman to mitigate the economic impact, while local governments are studying alternative livelihood options and considering declaring a state of calamity if necessary.