Iloilo's pantat industry threatened by planned regulation
Fresh African catfish or "pantat" are sold
infront of the public plaza of Zarraga,
Iloilo. Zarraga town is known as the
province's "pantat" capital.
The municipality of Zarraga is one of the places in the Philippines which will be affected if the government seriously regulates some species of catfish which is considered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as "alien species."
DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes earlier declared that African catfish, South American catfish and the golden apple snail are threats to the existence of the native species.
The African catfish is said to devour smaller and native species of freshwater fish.
In Zarraga, Iloilo, as well as other towns in the province, the African catfish (locally known as "pantat") is considered a "cash crop." In fact, a festival dubbed as Pantat Festival is held yearly in Zarraga to show its bountiful harvest.
The culture of African catfish was meant to supplement the livelihood of the locals. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) even aided those interested residents by giving them programs and trainings in raising "pantat."
African catfish is considered a "cash crop" because it can be harvested in three months time as compared to the native "pantat" which could be harvested after six to eight months.
People selling African catfish along the road in the town of Zarraga is already a common scene. It is usually tied in a small knot where buyers could easily see the size. Bulk of the supply of the African catfish goes to the different restaurants in the city.
The taste of African pantat when broiled or cooked as "adobado" has tickled the palate of Ilonggos. The African catfish is one of the best sellers in restaurants offering native foods.
A pantat breeder who asked not to be identified said the regulation of the breeding of the African catfish would affect their livelihood.
The breeder said they were able to send their kids to school just by selling "pantat."
The same interviewee added, the government should consider their plight as they could lose their source of income.
Meanwhile, BFAR regional director Drusila Ong has yet to release any official statement on the proposed regulation of the so-called "alien species."