LAOAG CITY – In the coastal village of Ablan in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the seasonal seaweed gamet is giving local cuisine a flavorful twist and boosting livelihoods in the province.
One popular creation is the gamet empanada, sold for PHP150 at the Burgos public plaza. Remedios Baniaga, who runs a refreshment stall there, said it has become a hit among tourists returning post-pandemic.
“We are grateful to the Department of Tourism for inviting more tourists and helping us promote our native cuisine, including our gamet empanada,” Baniaga said. On good days, she earns an average of PHP5,000 just from selling this unique delicacy.
Gamet is often compared to Japanese nori due to its dark color and is referred to as “black gold” in Ilocos Norte. Aidalyn Managad, 49, has been supplying gamet for years and was able to send her children to school through income from harvesting it.
“Gathering gamet is no easy task as we risk our lives to collect them little by little,” she shared.
Harvested from November to April, gamet grows on sharp coral stones along the coastline of Burgos. Its high market price — up to PHP1,500 for a dried square-foot sheet — reflects both its difficulty to gather and its versatility as an ingredient in salads, soups, and omelets.
Rich in iodine, calcium, and other essential minerals, gamet is also a favorite pasalubong among balikbayans and tourists.
Despite the dangers of harvesting, locals say the benefits outweigh the risks. The gamet industry has not only preserved a vital part of Burgos’ coastal culture but has also helped improve living conditions by supporting families and producing professionals in the community.