The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has asked for the technical support of the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in turning Zamboanga Sibugay into a production hub for king crabs and oysters.
MinDA Chair Emmanuel Piñol said he has recently discussed the aquaculture and fisheries potentials of Zamboanga Sibugay SEAFDEC Director Dan Baliao and suggested a collaboration between them.
The former agriculture secretary said his proposal — which includes the establishment of hatcheries for king crabs and oysters in the town of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay — was welcomed by Baliao.
"The proposal for a MinDA-SEAFDEC technical cooperation came after I learned from the fisherfolk and officials of Kabasalan during a visit on Tuesday that they needed support in producing more spawns for their growing oyster and king crab industry," Piñol, a former Agriculture Secretary, said.
"Kabasalan Mayor Katrina Cainglet-Balladares said that the town's fisherfolk organization could produce more if only they are supported with spawns and crablets, including fingerlings for sea bass, grouper, and red snapper which they grow in fish cage. She said that the daily production of oysters is about 700 kilos while the town, along with nearby tons of Siay, Kumalarang, and other aquaculture production areas could hardly supply the huge market demand for king crabs," he added.
On Wednesday, Piñol already instructed the legal department of MinDA, headed by lawyer Kristine Quibod, to prepare a draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the technical collaboration between his agency and SEAFDEC.
The MinDA chief added that he will schedule a signing of the MOA with Baliao in Iloilo in August.