BARANGAY Bonbon, arguably the face of Cagayan de Oro when it comes to a regular supply of affordable tamban (sardine) fish, is facing a serious crisis in its main source of livelihood.
Saved for its abundant catch of hipon on August 23, the usual sea richness had since eluded the Bonbon fishers until today they’re now worried about what to bring to the tables for their families in the coming days.
“Wala gyoy kuha,” rued Kardo del Puerto, who along with fellow Macajalar Bay fishers have experienced the alarming tamban drought since August 26.
For three straight days now, both tamban and hipon had altogether disappeared in Bonbon fishing’s orbit and the seaside barangay’s display of marine products has been sourced out elsewhere, particularly from the fishing landing station in Barangay Bulua.
“There’s no more of them (tamban and hipon) from the efforts of our local fishermen. What we have now for the display are fishes coming from Misamis Oriental and even Zamboanga,” noted fish vendor Gina Oguimas.
Also aggravating the situation is the stormy weather that even the 53-year-old squid hunter Lokoy Nagac could not make out for his usual routine at night.
“How can we go on fishing when the weather condition is not always favorable for us,” was Nagac’s sentiment.
