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 site assessment in three coastal barangays of E. B. Magalona, for the construction of a multi-species marine hatchery, has been sought by Mayor Marvin Malacon.
On May 15, Malacon met with representatives of SEAFDEC- Aquaculture Department, DA – BFAR Field Office in Negros Occidental, and the congressional office Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, to discuss his request.
In the meeting, the personnel from SEAFDEC-AQD, BFAR, and Municipal Government scheduled their immediate visits to three sites: Sitio Panaosawon in Brgy. Tuburan, Brgy.Pasil, and Sitio Tinapok, Brgy. Batea, all in EB Magalona.
Malacon told the group that 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” 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 Negros Occidental Third District Coastal Resources Management and Development Council (N3CRMDC), said that drawing inspiration from the original plan of Congressman Benitez, he would like to construct a marine hatchery in any of the three suggested sites for the development of bangus (milkfish), bulgan (sea bass), mud crab, inid (lapu-lapu/grouper), hito (catfish), and talaba (oysters).
He added that the marine hatchery will ensure the sustainability and growth of these aquaculture products which will yield high volume and bigger markets.
N3CRMDC 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, organized to restore and conserve the coastal resources of the district.
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 (5) 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 “closed 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.*
