Fishing industry stands amid pandemic

CEBU, Philippines — Fishing industry in Madridejos town in Bantayan Island is lucky enough to be spared from the adverse effect of the pandemic.

During the strict community restrictions, fishermen in the town have continued their livelihood.

“Actually ang mga mananagat wala gyud maapektohan sa pandemic, in fact lipay man gani ang mga mananagat kay nimahal ang isda, kadto during pandemic, naay social media magamit, nitaas ang demand,” said Madridejos Mayor Salvador “Sally” Dela Fuente.

Dela Fuente said that at the start of the enhanced community quarantine, there were challenges on exporting their seafood products because of the strict border control but eventually they were able to adjust and continue their export deliveries.

Madridejos is one of the sources of seafood products in Cebu and one of its main economic drivers is fishery.

According to Dela Fuente, they even export crab meats and scallops to the United States.

Durong peak season, they are able to produce around 60,000 kilos of scallops every month, while two tons of crab meat are produced a day during same season.

During offseason, daily production of crab meat would reach one ton.

The crab meat processing plant in Madridejos has started since 2000, according to dela Fuente. — GMR (FREEMAN)