By Thiago Santos Samahan ng Magtatalaba of San Juan, Batangas, harvesting half a ton (1.5 tons) of slipper oysters. (Photo from Batangas - O...
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| Samahan ng Magtatalaba of San Juan, Batangas, harvesting half a ton (1.5 tons) of slipper oysters. (Photo from Batangas - Office of the Provincial Agriculturist) |
SAN JUAN, Batangas - The Talaba Culture Project, which aimed to promote sustainable oyster farming and marine ecosystem conservation, completed its harvest day on July 13, 2023, in Bambang River, Barangay Pinagbayanan, San Juan, Batangas.
Oyster breeding is a project of the Batangas Provincial Government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), in partnership with the San Juan Town Government and ASIN, Inc.
The project's beneficiary, Samahan ng Magtatalaba of Barangay Pinagbayanan, has collected up to half a ton (1.5 tons) of slipper oysters.
This is three times the amount harvested in May 2022, when the total weight was 480 kilograms and a raft was used.
OPAg began the Talaba Culture Project in 2021 to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and provide livelihood opportunities for the local fishing community.
According to Batangas Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Rodrigo Bautista, the idea for the project came when he noticed the stored bamboo in their office, which he knew could be used.
The abandoned bamboos were transformed into rafts by tying together some plastic drums. In collaboration with San Juan officials, the raft was floated in the Bambang River in Barangay Pinagbayanan to catch oysters.
Jimmy Dimayuga, president of Samahan ng Magtatalaba, stated that eight rafts of oysters have been caught since the first raft in 2021.
Additionally present at the harvest were San Juan Council members, Municipal Agriculturist Felix Leopango, representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Batangas, and town government officials.
The owner of an oyster sauce company also praised such a project because, in addition to assisting in the livelihood or income of the organization's members, it also makes a significant contribution to the well-being of nature.
OPAg continues to assist the aforementioned organization by providing technical assistance, conducting member trainings, and assisting in marketing through the Community Food Market, which is held on a regular basis at the Capitol in Batangas City.
Graciery Bonifacio, one of the 25 members of the Samahan ng Magtalaba, said they are grateful for the Capitol's oyster culture project, particularly to Gov. Hermilando Mandanas and the entire OPAg office.
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