Bohol On His Mind! Retired US Navy Officer Home To Chase A Dream

“Nganong mahal man kaayo ang isda sa amo sa Bohol?”
(Why is fish so expensive in my home province Bohol?)
This was the question that retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer Samson Mante, who served with the famous aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, always asked me whenever we would meet during my visits to Salinas, California.
Instead of giving him a lengthy explanation, I told Sam, a brother Mason, to just look at the prospects of investing in a Bangus fish cage project in his home province.
Yesterday, I arrived in Bohol with several friends who are willing to help Sam and. his group in realizing the dream of establishing fish cages in the Mariculture Park of Calape, Bohol.
With me in the team was Jonathan Cabasas, Vice President of Inca Mariculture Plastics Company which fabricates Norwegian-type fish cages.
I am also backed by CP Foods Philippines Aqua Division which is now starting to produce aqua feeds for both Bangus and Tilapia.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through its acting National Director Isidro Velayo Jr. gave its assurance of sufficient supply of fingerlings from its hatchery nearby.
I dropped by the municipal office of Mayor Julius Herrera where his daughter, Margaux Goldie Herrera happily led us to the Calape Mariculture Park after offering us a hearty lunch.
Goldie told me that Bohol Governor Erico Aris Aumentado knew of my visit and was very excited to hear about the proposed project in Calape so that the provincial government could also extend its support.
As of yesterday, Sam’s dream of establishing fish cages to supply his province’s needs will take shape by May with the establishment of the first module of eight fish cages linked up in one mounting in the Mariculture Park of Calape.
This will come as soon as Inca Mariculture firms up its agreement with Mayor Julius Herrera for the lease of a 36-hectare area inside the Calape Mariculture Park.
With ideal conditions, the first eight fish cages could yield weekly about 12 tons of fresh Bangus grown in the waters of Bohol for the local market.
This would not only start an industry in Calape where fisherfolk and women could find opportunities to earn but also increase the supply of fish in the market and stabilize prices.
When that time comes, Samson Mante will no longer ask: “Why is fish so expensive in Bohol?”
This is a classic example of action to provide answer to a question.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!