‘Fish be with you’

THE OPENING of the Saravia Fish Market (SFM) in EB Magalona town, Negros Occidental province, on January 31, marked the fusion of fish and commerce.

“Fish be with you” served as the guiding principle behind a business initiative born from the longstanding friendship and partnership between Mayor Marvin Malacon and construction magnate Samuel Siote.

The mantra “Fish be with you” reflects Mayor Malacon’s desire to make fish and other marine resources accessible and affordable for the general populace.

EB Magalona c onsists of 23 barangays, nine of which are coastal areas. Moreover, the town, especially Barangay Tomongtong, is renowned for its blue crabs, a delicacy on Negros Island. However, the mayor highlighted that the cost of fish and other seafood has become prohibitively expensive, a situation no longer in sync with the economic conditions of the average Saraviahanon. Therefore, Mayor Malacon has committed to strict monitoring of fish prices within SFM to ensure they are affordable for the general public.

‘Dream Come True’

Historically, the town’s fish landing area, privately owned, was located in Manta-angan, a coastal village now featuring a newly operational private roll-on/roll-off (roro) port. Given the resulting traffic congestion from the proximity of the fish landing area and the roro port, Mayor Malacon believes it is crucial to relocate the fish landing area (commonly known as pala-pala) from Manta-angan.

He expressed gratitude towards Mr. Siote for generously providing a lot and funding the construction of the P7.5-million modern facility for SFM.

Taking a year to complete, Mayor Malacon feels profoundly thankful for the realization of SFM, describing it as a “dream come true” for all Saraviahanons. Strategically located in the municipality’s center along the national highway and opposite the EB Magalona National High School (EBMNHS), SFM represents a significant achievement.

Siote, a construction tycoon, acknowledges his first foray into the fish business, motivated by his enduring friendship with the mayor, whom he regards as trustworthy and attentive to people’s needs.

For a Better Saravia

Spanning a 2,000-square meter area, SFM features 28 stalls and a large parking lot to accommodate trucks from Manapla, Silay, Cadiz, Bacolod, and Talisay. Unique in Negros Occidental, SFM’s location along the national highway positions it as a central hub for seafood trade.

Mayor Malacon anticipates the development of seafood restaurants in the pala-pala style around SFM, aiming to enhance the town’s economic growth and attract more investors to EB Magalona.

For the initial six months of operation, the town will waive taxes for SFM and Siote’s business, encouraging further investment in EB Magalona. Mayor Malacon envisions SFM significantly contributing to a better Saravia or EB Magalona, stating, “This is for the future wellbeing of every Saraviahanon.”

‘Abundance’ and ‘Salvation’

The concept of “Fish be with you” embodies simplicity in meaning yet profound significance, symbolizing not only sustenance but also aspirations. For the Chinese, fish represent “abundance.” By making fish more accessible, Mayor Malacon strengthens his connection with the community.

B i b l i c a l l y, f i s h s y m b o l i z e “salvation” in Christ, as evidenced by 1 Peter 3: 21, which associates fish with salvation through water baptism.

Mayor Malacon is, indeed, correct in exploring the synthesis of fish and business. Fish for business. Fish for peace. Fish for progress./