The oyster industry in the country must receive ample support from the government, especially in times of calamity, senatorial aspirant Bam Aquino said.
During a consultation, talaba growers in Barangay Dos, Ilog, Negros Occidental told Aquino that the industry was heavily hit during the onslaught if Typhoon "Odette" in 2021, yet they did not get any assistance from the government.
The former senator was told that the talaba growers in the province was only able to recover through the help of the private sector, adding that they only received food packs from the government.
“Maganda rin kung may support mula sa gobyerno. Iyong DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), dapat sila ang tumutulong sila sa mga nagnenegosyo na nagkakaproblema (It would be better if they can get support from the government. The DTI should be the one helping struggling businesses),” Aquino said.
Aquino also underscored that it is also important for talaba growers to learn to use modern technology in order to increase their income.
He stressed that the DTI and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) must help in boosting the talaba industry, which is among the key livelihood in Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental is the third biggest producer of oyster in the country. In 2020, the province was able to produce 1,400 metric tons of oyster.