Mayor Marvin Malacon has sought the expertise and assistance of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to conduct the site assessments in three coastal barangays of E. B. Magalona for the construction of a multi-species marine hatchery.
Malacon met with the representatives of SEAFDEC- Aquaculture Department, DA-BFAR Field Office in Negros Occidental, and Office of 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez on Monday, May 15, to discuss his request.
Joining them were Municipal Planning and Development Office head Erwin Poniado, Acting Municipal Agriculture Officer Efren Garcia Jr., and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office- designate Jojo Vargas.
In the meeting, the personnel from SEAFDEC-AQD, BFAR, and Municipal Government have scheduled their immediate visits to these three sites.
Malacon told the group that Benitez had filed House Bill No. 74 proposing the establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in Sitio Mambucog, Barangay Zone XVI in Talisay City, with a releasing station in E. B. Magalona.
Malacon, who has recently been designated chairman of the N3CRMDC, said that drawing inspiration from the original plan of Benitez, he would like to construct a marine hatchery in any of the suggested sites in Barangays Tuburan (particularly in Sitio Panaosawon), Pasil, and Batea (Sitio Tinapok) for the development of bangus (milkfish), bulgan, mud crab, inid, hito, and talaba.
The mayor said the marine hatchery will ensure the sustainability and growth of these aquaculture products, which will yield high volume and bigger market.
Meanwhile, N3CRMDC or the Negros Occidental Third District Coastal Resources Management and Development Council is a council composed of the Provincial Government, Third District, and the local governments of Victorias City, E. B. Magalona, Silay City, and Talisay City formed to restore and conserve the coastal resources of the district.
FOOD TOURISM
In his explanatory note for HB No. 74, Benitez said the establishment of a marine hatchery in the Third District will support aquaculture development and enhance seafood production in the district that will benefit local fisherfolk and coastal communities.
“The Third District has a rich culinary heritage and has vast potential for food tourism. Already, tourists are drawn to the district to enjoy heirloom dishes, organic produce, and fresh seafood served in garden or rustic restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries,” Benitez said.
“The Municipality of E. B. Magalona, in particular, is dubbed as Negros’ Blue Crab Capital, producing large volumes of kasag (blue crabs), with average production at five tons per day, processed for export. The town is also producing oysters, sardines (tuloy), milkfish (bangus), threadfin breams (lagaw) and squid,” the congressman added.
He stressed that the hatchery is intended not only for the blue crabs but also for other species so that fisherfolk will have alternative catch during the “close season” for blue crabs.
“A multi-species marine hatchery is thus necessary for the sustainability and growth of the district’s food scene. Particularly, it will ensure the sustainable supply of E.B. Magalona’s products. Aquaculture development will not only contribute to food tourism but also ensure food security in the district,” Benitez added.
Other attendees in the May 15 meeting were Jebrnam Navarro, Janice Tambirao, Rheniel Dayrit and John Aldrin Tugo — all of SEAFDEC- AQD, Derelyn Villan of BFAR, and Gervic Pastrana, head of District Operations of the Office of Rep. Kiko Benitez, with staff members Trexia Betita and Carmela Menchu Ledesma.*