• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco has pledged to purchase up to 2,000 kilograms of blue crabs from E.B. Magalona as part of efforts to help fisherfolk in Negros Occidental affected by the disruption in the crab export industry.
Jaojoco, accompanied by his wife, former mayor Madonnah Jaojoco, and other municipal officials, joined E.B. Magalona’s third Saturday of the “unli-kasag” celebration on Aug. 15, showing Toboso’s support for the town’s crab pickers and fishermen.
“Toboso feels your situation, especially now that livelihoods are truly at stake. We stand with you,” Jaojoco said.
He said Toboso is considering buying 2,000 kgs. of crabs, which is equivalent of two tons, and bringing them to the municipality for distribution among teachers and employees, allowing them to take the crabs home and share them with their families.
“Instead of going here, we will just buy and bring it to Toboso,” Jaojoco said, adding that the actual volume would depend on the fishermen’s catch.
Jaojoco also appealed to fellow Negrenses to visit E.B. Magalona and support the local crab industry by enjoying its blue crab products.
He expressed hope that the blue crab export industry would eventually recover, stressing that the sector is currently facing difficulties and needs support from local communities and government units.
E.B. Magalona Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon welcomed Toboso’s gesture, saying the growing support from other LGUs has helped increase demand for the town’s blue crabs.
Malacon said reservations for Saturday’s celebration had exceeded 500 while at least 750 kilos of crabs were consumed during the previous Saturday’s event.
The influx of visitors and buyers has also encouraged restaurants and hotels to transact directly with local producers, helping fisherfolk obtain better prices by reducing their dependence on middlemen.
“The more blue crabs are purchased, the more revenue can be generated, which can help the families affected by the ban on exporting blue crabs to the United States,” Malacon said.
He added that other town and city mayors have also expressed interest in joining the final week of the celebration, potentially widening the support for E.B. Magalona’s blue crab industry.
Malacon said an extension of the “unli-kasag” celebration beyond August is still being discussed, with supply and sustained demand among the factors that will be considered. | GPB
