DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan (212 kms north of Manila) No town beats Dagupan, one of thecountrys oldest cities, when it comes to fishing. Bangus(milkfish) wontbe the Philippines national fish if it were not forthis city: Dagupan, acommercial and educational city located inPangasinans western coast, has thebest bangus in this part of the world. And bangusbrought fame toDagupan after beating Peru with the longest barbecuetitle in the Guinness Bookof World Records three years back.

Talk of bangus,however, and you talkof thousands of families here making a livingfrom this industry. Commercialfishing trade has flourished withfamilies engaged in the processing of bangus,ordeboning. Wonder how many children are raised and brought to school and evenopulence to a few - because of this.