• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government has taken a major step toward protecting and sustaining its blue swimming crab industry following the approval of the Negros Occidental Blue Swimming Crab Sustainability and Management Ordinance of 2026.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently unanimously passed and approved the ordinance, which signed and also approved by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The ordinance establishes a comprehensive provincial program for the sustainability, conservation, management, protection, monitoring, restoration and industry development of the blue swimming crab, locally known as “kasag.”
It also creates the Provincial Blue Swimming Crab Management Council, which will help oversee the implementation of science-based fisheries management and resource conservation measures.
Among the key provisions of the ordinance are the protection of critical habitats, catch documentation and traceability, industry development, inter-local government cooperation, enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
The measure also provides for the appropriation of funds to support its implementation and other related programs.
The ordinance is seen as a landmark measure aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of Negros Occidental’s important marine resources and protecting the livelihood of fisherfolk who depend on the blue swimming crab industry.
In a statement, Third District Board Member Hope Marey Depasucat, the ordinance’s main author, said the passage of the ordinance is an important step toward preserving the province’s blue crab resource for future generations.
However, she stressed that its success will depend on its proper and effective implementation as well as the continued cooperation of local government units, national government agencies, industry stakeholders, and fishing communities.
“This is not just an ordinance, but a commitment to protect our blue crabs and safeguard the livelihood of future generations,” Depasucat said. | GPB
