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 site assessment 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 Monday [May 15] to discuss his request.

Joining them were Municipal Planning and Development Office head Engr. 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, namely, Barangays Tuburan (particularly in Sitio Panaosawon), Pasil, and Batea (particularly in Sitio Tinapok).

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, under the supervision of DA-BFAR.

Malacon, who has recently been designated chairman of the 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, mud crab (alimango), 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 composed of the Provincial Government, Third Congressional District, and the local governments of Victorias City, E. B. Magalona, Silay City, and Talisay City that was 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 fisherfolks 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 “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 technical assistants Jebrnam Navarro, Janice Tambirao, and Rheniel Dayrit, and Engr. John Aldrin Tugo—all of SEAFDEC- AQD; Derelyn Villan of BFAR, and Gervic Pastrana, head of District Operations of the Office of Rep. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, with staff members Trexia Betita and Carmela Menchu Ledesma.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO