Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region
E.B. Magalona, a town in Negros Occidental launched a weekly eat-all-you-can blue crab event to boost domestic tourism and support local fisherfolk affected by weaker export demand.
Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon said about 700 kilograms of blue swimming crabs were sold during the first “Sabado Nights” event on Saturday, generating an estimated Php 340,000 from entrance fees alone.
Organizers initially prepared 400 kilograms but secured another 300 kilograms after more guests arrived than expected. Around 800 people attended, including visitors from Bacolod City and nearby towns.
The weekly event will run throughout August and feature unlimited blue crabs alongside other seafood dishes sold by local vendors.
The municipal government said it was buying crabs directly from fisherfolk and traders in nine coastal villages at Php 300 per kilogram.
Local prices had reportedly fallen to between Php 120 and Php 140 per kilogram following the United States’ suspension of Philippine blue swimming crab imports in June.
Negros Occidental is home to several crab-processing facilities, landing sites and picking stations, leaving thousands of fishers and workers exposed to the decline in overseas demand.
The Department of Agriculture said the Philippines could reapply for access to the US market, with officials targeting a new submission by September and hoping for approval within the year.