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BATANGAS CITY | July 19 — A video of Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto eating fish from Taal Lake — including tawilis, tilapia, bangus, and maliputo — has been making rounds online, following concerns raised after the disappearance of several sabungeros.
In the clip, the governor is seen enjoying a meal while reassuring the public: “Nothing to worry.” She explains that many of the fish from the lake are responsibly farmed. “Yung mga isda natin d’yan, cultured ‘yan, may mga fish pens ‘yan,” she said, adding that they are “non-carnivorous.”
The reassurance comes as internet memes jokingly link the missing sabungeros to the lake, which has caused some consumers to avoid eating fish from the area. Some memes suggest, in jest, that the fish “know something” or are involved, sparking laughter online but concern in local markets.
Since then, vendors have reported a drop in the price and demand for tawilis, tilapia, and other lake fish. Some sellers say buyers are hesitant due to the viral jokes, despite the lack of any evidence connecting the incident to the lake’s aquaculture.
Local authorities maintain that fish from Taal Lake remain safe to eat and are encouraging the public to continue supporting Batangas fisherfolk.
