Arcay and the Tourism Council made the decision after the overpriced foods sold at the Virgin Islands went viral on social media.
A woman earlier posted on her Facebook account on August 1 that her friend's group of 13 paid a total of P26,100 for the seafood and drinks they ordered.
The food and drinks ordered by the group included abalone worth P2,500, tinolang isda (P1,800), kinilaw'ng isda (P3,000), sinugba'ng isda (P2,500), scallops (P3,000), oyster (P3,000), squid (P2,500), lato (P800), baby squid (P1,500), sea urchin (P2,300), banana (P900), soft drinks (P1,300), and beer (P1,000).
Arcay visited the scenic island after the post went viral and confirmed reports that the food sold on the sandbar is expensive.
A vendor, for her part, told the media that their prices were a bit higher than normal since they got their supply from the mainland.
According to reports, to help the displaced vendors, the council has recommended holding a "food street or night market" at Panglao Plaza, where the vendors can sell their products.
"To be fair and just for the affected vendors as well, they shall be able to continuously sell out whatever perishable stock is on hand," the council said.
The council added that the night market would coincide with the Hudyaka Festival celebration. (Romeo Braceros, Jr.)
Photo: BOY ARCAY Batang Panglao
Facebook Conversations