An unexpected oversupply of sardines, locally called “tamban” or “lawlaw,” has led to spoilage in Bulan, Sorsogon, after fish processing plants temporarily halted operations during Holy Week, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol reported. In an interview on Tuesday, BFAR Bicol Director Ariel Pioquinto said the surge in supply on Sunday caught authorities off guard, as large catches arrived simultaneously due to the sudden abundance of sardines. “The sardine influx was unpredictable, as more fishing vessels delivered a much larger volume than usual,” Pioquinto said.

Jaucian, M. B. (2026, April 8). Oversupply spoils sardines in Sorsogon. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A7.