Thursday, December 01, 2016
By ERWIN P. NICAVERA

THE Municipal Government of E.B. Magalona is stepping up its efforts to position the northern town as the seafood capital of Negros Occidental.

Press conference and launching of the 1st Ugyonan Seafood Festival of the Municipality of E.B. Magalona./Erwin P. Nicavera

Mayor Marvin Malacon, who led the launching of the first Ugyonan Seafood Festival at the town hall here yesterday, said it is their vision to make the town known not only in Negros, but also in the entire country as the province’s major seafood destination.

E.B. Magalona is currently the biggest producer of blue crab meat in the province, with an export capacity of up to 10 tons per year. Malacon said the festival, which will be held on December 9 to 11, is one of the major initiatives of the municipal government to further boost the town’s seafood industry.

“In terms of seafood industry, we are now rising and growing,” he said, adding that “coming up with this seafood festival manifests that we are on the right track.” Aside from tourism promotion, the activity also aims to help residents improve their livelihood.

Of the almost 63,000 population of E.B. Magalona, about 40 percent are into fishing as their source of living.

Malacon said the festival will serve as venue for residents to generate more income as well as link them to potential markets. After the festival, Malacon said the municipal government will put up a permanent structure for product display and selling.

 “It will eventually become a trading post providing fisher-residents easy access and stable market,” the mayor said, adding that the municipal government’s campaign on illegal fishing in its waters is being strengthened to protect the small fisherfolk.

Moreover, dubbed “Diri sa E.B. Mag Kari, Kaon, Sinadya,” the three-day event will be highlighted by eat-all-you-can activities in the first two nights.

There will also be a product display, blue crab cooking competition, and Christmas carol contest, among others. “We are inviting everyone to come to the festival and experience our rich seafood products and delicacies,” Malacon said.