AS Holy Week approaches, prices for fish and vegetables at the Pasig City Mega Market have remained largely stable, according to local vendors.
This stability offers a measure of relief to consumers preparing for the traditional Lenten observance, which often involves increased demand for seafood and vegetables. Despite the current steady prices, vendors and shoppers alike are anticipating potential increases in the coming days, driven by the expected surge in demand during the peak Holy Week period.
Vendors at the market expressed a commitment to maintaining current prices for as long as possible, acknowledging that significant price hikes can deter buyers and make sales more challenging.
They attribute any potential future increases primarily to the rising cost of gasoline, which impacts transportation and logistics, as well as the natural fluctuations in supply. The inherent costs associated with bringing produce to market, especially from distant regions, are a key factor influencing pricing strategies.
The price list indicates a range for various fish and vegetable items as of March 28, 2026. For instance, boneless bangus is priced between ₱100–₱180 per kilo, while tilapia is sold at ₱60–₱65 for half a kilo. Among vegetables, carrots are priced at ₱110 per kilo, and onions and garlic at ₱100 per kilo.
Vendors anticipate that price fluctuations might become more noticeable by mid-week, coinciding with the heightened demand for food items traditionally consumed during the Lenten season, particularly as many Filipinos abstain from eating meat.
