DTI-11 promotes pangasius as food staple

Wednesday 18th of July 2012

DAVAO CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao region has called on stakeholders to actively participate in the promotion of pangasius fish as a family staple.

During the Pangasius Culture Management Seminar held here recently, DTI-Davao regional director Marizon S. Loreto, emphasized the need of an intensive marketing plan to make the general public aware that pangasius fish is already available in the local market.

“By having a sound and viable marketing plan, we can reap a number of opportunities – from generating investments and jobs to cornering sales in the domestic and international markets,” Loreto said.

Per records of DTI-Compostela Valley program office, pangasius is currently sold at P185 per kg; DTI-CV is the anchor province for pangasius in the region.

Merlyn Damaso, a food processor from ComVal, said unlike the catfish, pangasius can be part of the family’s daily menu.

“Ang pangasius kay pwedeng everyday meal sa pamilya kay daghang luto ang pwedeng mahimo (Pangasius can be an everyday meal since it can be prepared or cooked in many ways),” she said, adding that pangasius can be served deep fried, grilled, adobo, sweet and sour, among others.

To date, Damaso also sells pangasius burger patty and lumpia, though she is still in search for other pangasius preparations.

Damaso added that the meat of this fish stays firm even when overcooked, a characteristic that makes it more attractive. Apart from satisfying one’s taste buds, the leftovers of pangasius can also be processed into a new product.

“Ang skeleton sa pangasius after nimo kaunon, pwede natong i-process into feeds like fish meal ug hog feed (The pangasius bones can be processed into feeds),” said pangasius grower My Lady Rose Domingo of Davao City.

DTI-CV program manager Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said his office is matching Damaso with possible institutional buyers particularly restaurants and hotels in Davao City.

“Through this way, we can create a local demand for processed pangasius,” he said. (JenMendoza-DTI 11)