BACOLOD City – The municipality of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental is reviving its popular “Sabado Nights” with a new mission—helping local fisherfolk and crab industry workers cope with the economic impact of the United States’ ban on Philippine blue swimming crab imports.
Rebranded as an “Eat-All-You-Can Blue Crab Night,” the weekly event aims to boost domestic consumption of the municipality’s signature seafood while providing a direct market for local fisherfolk, crab pickers, traders, and processing workers affected by the export crisis.
Known as the “Blue Crab Capital” of Negros Occidental, E.B. Magalona has long relied on exports as a key market for its blue swimming crabs. However, the recent US import restrictions have sharply reduced demand, causing farmgate prices to plummet and threatening the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the industry.
Mayor Matthew Malacon said the buying price of blue swimming crabs has dropped from P320 per kilogram to only P120 to P180 per kilogram, prompting the municipal government to introduce measures aimed at providing immediate economic relief.
“We’re bringing back ‘Sabado Nights,’ but with a twist,” Malacon said in a social media post. “This time, we’re serving an Eat-All-You-Can Blue Crab Night to support our local crab industry during these challenging times.”
The municipal government is inviting residents and visitors to “come hungry” and enjoy unlimited servings of fresh blue crabs while directly supporting the town’s fishing communities.
“With the current export crisis affecting the livelihood of our local crab pickers and fisherfolk, we’re inviting everyone to enjoy the freshest blue crabs while helping our community thrive,” the mayor added.
The event will be held every Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, with the venue to be announced once final arrangements have been completed.
Aside from promoting local consumption, the municipal government has launched other interventions to cushion the effects of the export ban.
Earlier, Malacon issued an executive order creating a task force to address the industry’s economic challenges. He also urged the Sangguniang Bayan to consider granting temporary tax relief to qualified fisherfolk, crab pickers, and businesses directly engaged in the local crab industry.
The Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Tourism Office, and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office have likewise been directed to implement recovery programs, promote alternative livelihood opportunities, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the municipality’s blue crab industry.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Marvin Malacon encouraged affected workers and fisherfolk to organize themselves into cooperatives to improve their access to financial assistance and livelihood support from the municipal government.
Local officials expressed hope that reviving “Sabado Nights” will not only provide immediate economic relief but also encourage more Filipinos to support E.B. Magalona’s seafood industry while helping sustain one of Negros Occidental’s key coastal livelihoods./PN
