Under the Department of Social Welfare & Development-Negros Island Region’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, some 20 individuals of Hibaiyo Fisherfolks Association in Guihulngan recently received the Mangrove Crabs Project.
According to DSWD Social Marketing Officer Klaudine Rojo, the project was turned-over through the local government of Guihulngan, which marked the beginning of the fisherfolk-beneficiaries’ management and sustenance for their own livelihood project.
Rojo said the fisherfolk, who are also beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, will be guided by the Project Development Officers of SLP for it to sustain with the fishermen’s efforts to cultivate.
Initially, the mangrove crabs project is one of the livelihood schemes endorsed by the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (in Guihulngan back in 2015 along with the municipalities of Vallehermoso and La Libertad which are suitable for growing mangroves.
With this, Hibaiyo beneficiaries wanted to continue the project under the DSWD’s SLP, however some requirements and supplies are needed to improve the project.
Hibaiyo Association president Nene Vibas further sought assistance from the LGU for additional aid for the defence and protection against possible strong winds and storms that may destroy the fencing of the mangrove area where the crabs are living.
“We want to further ask for materials to put up a concrete post so that in times of strong winds, our fencing won’t fall,” explained Vibas.
The Guihulngan government has also helped in identifying the best location for the project while BFAR provided trainings for the beneficiaries on how to take care of the mangrove crabs.
The BFAR also assisted in getting suppliers for the 500 mud crabs that will be grown and bred by the beneficiaries.
The association also received P200,000 for the supplies, labour and maintenance for the project.
Fishermen may start harvesting the crabs after six months and ready to be sold in the market.
It is estimated that the crabs, under suitable conditions, can produce crablets at least two times their number.
The group of fishermen has planned to market the crabs to nearby cities and municipalities and eventually venture out to other places.
The local government officials who graced the turn-over include Hibaiyo Barangay Capt. Gary Villegas, Sangguninag Panlungsod Member Simplicio Mijares, and Guihulngan Vice Mayor Ernesto Reyes. (fcr/jct/PIA7-NegOr)
