Davao Marinatuna partners with Chinese investors
DAVAO CITY — Davao Marinatuna Corp., operator of the popular MarinaTuna chain of restaurants, is venturing into high-value marine products in partnership with Chinese investors.
Davao Marinatuna founder and Chief Executive Officer Domingo O. Ang said the aquaculture project would initially involve grouper farming through the establishment of 40 fish cages at the mariculture park in Panabo City, Davao del Norte before the end of the year.
Grouper “is very expensive in China,” said Mr. Ang in an interview with local media, adding the red variety commands a price of between P2,000 to P3,000 per kilogram.
Marinatuna, which is also into tuna exporting as well as sales of local fresh fruits, will set up a 1,000-square meter model farm where grouper fingerlings will be bred.
Mr. Ang said they are also looking at producing lobsters.
“If this project becomes successful, this will become a bigger project in the Davao Gulf... The long- term plan is that we will help the fisherfolk along the Davao Gulf,” he said.
Marinatuna aims to provide fisherfolk with boats and fish cages, and will purchase the produce from them.
Mr. Ang said they are aiming to establish the model farm in time for a possible visit by a high-level Chinese delegation this year.
“This will make the President happy,” said Mr. Ang, a known close friend of President Rodrigo R. Duterte who was mayor of Davao City for several terms.
AIR ASIA TRANSPORT
Mr. Ang said he also discussed with AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Anthony Francis Fernandes, who was in the city last July, the possibility of the budget airline flying between China and Davao with marine products as the primary cargo going to China and bringing in Chinese tourists to Davao.
Mr. Fernandes announced then that AirAsia is looking at expanding its footprint using Davao City as a hub for 10 international routes, including the DavaoKuala Lumpur flights beginning in December.
Mr.Ang said his other related plan is to go into and promote tuna hook-line fishing to protect smaller fish.
“I will also expand this plan to include all those fishing in the municipal waters,” he said, noting that this could be an “inclusive and alternative livelihood activity.” —