Known as the blue swimming crab capital of Negros Occidental, E.B. Magalona has launched a weekly unlimited crab feast to attract more local tourists while creating new opportunities for its seafood industry amid a decline in exports. The opening event proved to be an instant hit, with hundreds of Negrenses turning up to enjoy fresh blue swimming crabs and support local fisherfolk.
700 Kilos Gone in Just One Night
The first "Sabado Nights" unlimited crab feast drew around 800 diners, prompting organizers to increase their initial supply from 400 kilograms to 700 kilograms of blue swimming crabs. Within just a few hours, every kilogram had been served.
The event generated an estimated PHP340,000 from unlimited crab admissions alone, while vendors selling ala carte dishes also reported selling out, giving a welcome boost to local businesses.
Helping Fisherfolk Through Tourism
The weekly event was created to strengthen domestic demand after Philippine blue swimming crab exports to the United States were suspended in June, affecting the livelihoods of many coastal communities.
To cushion the impact, the municipal government has been purchasing crabs directly from fisherfolk and vendors in nine coastal barangays for PHP300 per kilogram, well above the prevailing buying price of PHP120 to PHP140 per kilogram. Officials hope the initiative will provide immediate income while encouraging more Filipinos to support the local seafood industry.
Optimism for Export Market Return
As one of the country's leading producers of blue swimming crabs, Negros Occidental has been significantly affected by the export slowdown. The US suspension stemmed from documentation issues involving marine mammal protection and bycatch monitoring.
Despite the setback, government officials remain optimistic after the Philippines was given the opportunity to reapply for access to the US market. The application is expected to be submitted by September, with hopes of restoring exports before the end of the year.
