Alaminos ramps up oyster production

ALAMINOS CITY, Philippines — Aside from its famous Hundred Islands National Park, the local government is also strongly promoting its oysters to encourage eco-friendly mariculture projects that will provide additional livelihood to the marginalized fisherfolks here.

 Gilbert Rabadon, aquaculturist 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, the focal person for the city’s oyster development program, said they give materials needed for culture like bamboo, rope and empty oyster shells.

The recipients, on the other hand, provide labor and management.

Rabadon said the oysters are marketed in Dagupan City and in other areas in Pangasinan up to Metro Manila.

Based on 2016 data, 240 metric tons of oysters were produced annually.

The city produces 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, steamed.

 Oysters are filter feeder seeded naturally and harvested after five to eight months, Rabadon  said.

He said they were 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 (oyster grilling).

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 party.

A sack of oysters is sold for P800 to 1,000 each.

Oysters are produced all year round in the city.