The 75-member E.B. Magalona Beauticians Association (EBMBA) in Negros Occidental gets a new “window of opportunity” to re-open and operate on their own the Isla Madalag Eco-Haven, a municipal government-owned seafood restaurant in the midst of a lush mangrove plantation along the Madalag River.
Opened in June 2022, Isla Madalag Eco-Haven in Barangay Madalag, some five kilometers away from the poblacion, has been among the town’s top destinations for a family weekend bonding and a favorite site for nature and seafood lovers as well.
Due to some unavoidable circumstances, the floating restaurant situated next to the famous Magrove Eco-Trail in Barangay Tomongtong was temporarily closed last year.
Mayor Marvin Malacon, however, found a new opportunity to revive Isla Madalag Eco-Haven with the Department of Labor and Employment-registered EBMBA as the new operator.
“We gave them P300,000 as their start-up capital to run the restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays only. It’s up to them how to manage and have gains later to support their members,” Malacon said.
EBMBA re-opened the Isla Madalag Eco-Haven on Aug. 3 and 4.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jojo Vargas, who is also acting as the group’s adviser, said they offer “unli sugba” (unlimited grilling) of pork, chicken and beef with unlimited rice at P200 only.
Seafood like crabs, oysters (talaba), shrimps, among others are also available, but not included in the “unli sugba” promo, Vargas said.
Isla Madalag Eco-Haven is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only, but another come-on is the gay entertainment every 2 p.m.
It enlivens the dining atmosphere, said John Carl Castigador, EBMBA president.
Malacon said this new “window of opportunity” given to the members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) members belonging to EBMBA has the essence of respect to their existence in the community.
“This is also part of our commitment to valuing inclusivity in E.B. Magalona,” he added.
Vargas said that this is the first time a mayor has openly showed his all-out support to the LGBTQ group in the town and giving them opportunity to run a business means a lot to them.
While they also do freelance work as choreographers or entertainers, without social events, they are just like “tambays” with no income.
“With the support and respect of the mayor, we feel our importance now in society,” Castigador said.
Both Vargas and Castigador vowed to take good care of Isla Madalag Eco-Haven and its natural surroundings. ||
