Alaminos City in Pangasinan, who is famous for its Hundred Islands National Park is now strongly promoting its oysters to encourage eco-friendly marticuture projects that will provide additional livelihood to the marginalized fisherfolks living in the area.
Gilbert Rabadon, aqua-culturist from the City Agriculture Office, said Alaminos produces the best talaba in Pangasinan grown in the coastal barangays of Baleydaan, Mona, Pangapisan and Cayucay. Rabadon, who is heading the city’s oyster development program said theuy give materials needed for culture like bamboo, rope and empty oyster shells. The recipients, on the other hand provide labor and management. Oysters from this program are marketed in Dagupan City and other areas in Pangasinan up to Metro Manila.
Alaminos City produces the the Crassostrea iredalei species, locally known as talabang tsinelas, which measure five to seven inches big for marketable size with a carapace diameter of three to five inches. This is the common species of talaba served in hotels and restaurants which are either grilled or steamed.
Oysters are filter feeder seeded naturally and harvested after five to eight months. Rabadon shared that the city is lucky because their coastal areas were not affected by red tide.
In line with efforts to boost oyster production, the city will hold a Talaba Ihaw-Ihaw festival. Like in previous years, cityfolks and guests are to partake of an eat-all-you-can grilled oysters and other meat and fish products as the participants enjoy the street part.
WITH REPORTS FROM: Eva Vispera The Philippine Star
PHOTOS FROM: //rodneysoysterhouse.com/seafood/oysters/
