The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved a resolution appealing to national government agencies to take immediate action to address the adverse effects of the United States import ban on the Philippine blue swimming crabs and to protect the livelihood of thousands of workers and families dependent on the industry.
The resolution was principally authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito and co-authored by Councilor Celia Flor.
It expresses support for the earlier initiative of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental through a resolution authored by Board Member Bambi Depasucat-Sason, which called on the national government to intervene and help restore Philippine access to the U.S. market, Distrito said in a press release on Friday, June 19.
The measure appeals to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other concerned agencies to undertake coordinated and immediate measures to mitigate the economic impact of the import restrictions.
Distrito emphasized that aside from the crab gatherers in coastal barangays such Pta Taytay, Pahanocoy, Tangub, Singcang, Brgy 1 and Banago, Bacolod also plays a crucial role in the blue swimming crab industry as a center for processing, picking, packing, storage, administration, and export operations.
Several crab processing and export companies maintain facilities and offices in Bacolod, providing employment and income opportunities to many Bacolodnons.
“The blue crab industry supports not only fisherfolk and coastal communities but also hundreds of workers in processing plants, many of whom are women engaged in crab meat picking and processing. Any prolonged disruption in exports will inevitably affect families here in Bacolod whose livelihoods depend on this industry,” Distrito said.
Reports indicate that approximately 90 percent of Philippine crab meat exports are destined for the United States market. The recent import restrictions have raised concerns over declining demand, lower buying prices, reduced operations, business losses, and potential displacement of workers.
The resolution notes that a significant reduction in export demand could lead to an oversupply of blue swimming crabs in the domestic market, resulting in lower market prices and reduced earnings for fisherfolk, traders, processors, and exporters.
Flor echoed the need for immediate government intervention, stressing that protecting fisheries-based industries is essential to preserving jobs, sustaining local economies, and ensuring the welfare of affected families.
Through the resolution, the Bacolod SP urged concerned agencies to work closely with industry stakeholders and local government units to address compliance issues that may have contributed to the import restrictions, strengthen adherence to international standards, explore alternative export markets, and provide assistance programs for affected workers and enterprises.
“The livelihood of thousands of Negrenses and Bacolodnons is at stake. We stand united with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in calling for swift and decisive action from the national government to protect this vital industry and the families that depend on it,” Distrito added.*
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