NegOcc fishery industry seen to get boost thru USAID partnership

The fishery industry of Negros Occidental is seen to get a boost through the partnership of the academe and the business sector with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said Monday the possible collaboration will cover the seas in the southern part of the province facing Hinoba-an, Sipalay City, and Cauayan, which are abundant in high-value fish products, such as tuna.

Blue swimming crabs are also found in the Visayan Sea, particularly the areas from Talisay City to Escalante City in Negros Occidental, he added.

Carbon said they expect to complete all the discussions this January and sign the contracts in February.

“The project may take off in March. This is going to have a huge impact on the province economy-wise, poverty reduction, and in ensuring sustainability of marine resources for future generations,” the local business leader said.

Carbon said USAID has tapped the Silliman University in Dumaguete City and the University of the Philippines-Visayas in Iloilo City for a program to develop the Visayan Sea and southern Negros seas, respectively.

Citing the data of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the MBCCI noted that the blue crab industry in Negros amounted to P8 billion in 2016.

As the fourth largest export industry in the Philippines, 30 percent of the blue crab production comes from the Visayan Sea, particularly the northern part of Negros, it added.

Carbon said Silliman University, which is in charge of the development of the land side, specifically in Negros Occidental, has tapped their group for collaboration.

He said USAID’s concern is the sea side, or the water side.

They want to improve, rehabilitate, preserve and protect biodiversity mainly through research initiatives with the academe, he added.

The ultimate outcome of the collaboration is poverty reduction, especially among the shoreline barangays and communities where 60 percent of the population is located, he added.