"Pamanggal" is the local term used to describe crab fishing. Panggal is a cage used to trap crabs and is filled with fish baits to lure crabs into the trap.

Pamanggal is the main source of income of the people of Sitio Cabaling in Brgy. Espinosa in Jordan, Guimaras.

And Marlon Castillo tells their story.

Marlon, a local crab fisher in Sitio Cabaling said he already embraced crab fishing as his vocation. He said it generates income, which supports his family's daily needs.

Every morning, around six in the morning, Marlon, together with other crab fishers, prepare their apparatus for the day's fishing. Afterwards, they set sail into the seas between the islands of Guimaras and Iloilo.

He said they make sure that all lines and ropes are securely attached to the "Panggal" as well as check if the baits are sufficient. They also regularly count the cages and the floaters' attachments to the traps.

They do this to not lose their equipment.

Marlon said one Pamanggal boat needs the following to start crab fishing: crab cage traps, rope connecting the cages to each other, floaters that serves as markers in the location of the cages, fish baits which numbers are the same with the cages' quantity, and a fishing permit from the local government amounting to P200.

An average Pamanggal boat needs 300 crab cages or "panggals" in order to normally operate in correct and desirable standards of crab fishing. For the fishermen, securing and ensuring that their invested tools are in sound condition is very important because it is costly for them.

Like for instance, Marlon said a panggal costs P70 each. A sudden cut or loose of the connecting lines and ropes may generate a big loss if their equipment are lost in the sea.

Marlon said most of the residents of Sitio Cabaling rely on crab fishing for their living.

On the average, they earn up to P250 daily or if in case of bad weather, lower.

In support to the crab fishers and to promote the area, local resorts in Sitio Cabaling lure their tourists by offering freshly caught crabs.

Villa Maria Resort and Cabaling Beach Resort offer their tourist a taste of fresh crabs every morning. The prices are lower than those sold in the local market – something tourists can look forward to when visiting their resorts.

Marlon said this setup is beneficial to them because the fishermen need not pay transportation to sell their catch, at the same time, tourists are treated to fresh crabs at very low prices.*