TACLOBAN CITY – The blister wing oyster pearl culture undertaking of Leyte fishermen is evolving into another source of income for many of them.
This was disclosed by Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla in an interview with reporters who said that based on their assessment and findings, the pearl culture is emerging as one of the profitable undertakings for among the fishermen.
Gov. Petilla said that the results of the field trials and studies conducted by his office on pearl culture production was very encouraging.
Thus, he is asking the fishermen to venture to pearl culture production as it has been proven to be highly feasible and profitable undertaking.
Petilla claims that pearl culture can help improve the income and eventually alleviate the depressed socio-economic conditions of the fishermen.
He explained that that growing the blister wing oyster that produces the pearl does not need feeds and medicines like in the piggery or poultry production and with minimal care as the oysters just grow in the sea naturally.
The governor added that the meat of the oysters is in demand in the market while the shells command high price in the shell craft industry.
Gov. Petilla said that, at present, there are eight fishermen’s groups in the province that are into the pearl culture venture which include the: Pinamopoan Fisherfolk Wing Oyster Culture Association, Culasian Wing Oyster Growers Association, and Atipolo Fisherfolk Wing Oyster Association all in Capoocan town; Babatngon District 1 and 4 Fisherfolk Wing Oyster Association in the town of Babatngon; Pinarigusan Fisherfolks’ Association in San Miguel town; Balud Fisherfolks’ Association and AHON Duka Association both of Barugo town; San Mateo Small Fishermen’s Association and West Victoria Small Fishermen’s Association both of Carigara town.
(RESTITUTO A. CAYUBIT)
