By CESAR JOLITO III
Crab pickers from processing facilities across the country have made an emotional appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging the national government to act swiftly as the United States’ ban on Philippine blue swimming crab imports threatens their livelihoods and the future of thousands of families.
In a statement shared by community development worker and social activist Joel Jaquinta, the workers said the export restriction has already led to reduced operations in processing plants and a sharp decline in buying activities, leaving many employees uncertain about their future.
“We may not have a voice, but our hands work tirelessly each day. This job allows us to earn an honest wage, support our children’s education, and keep our families afloat,” the group said.
The workers stressed that the industry provides critical employment not only for persons with disabilities but also for mothers and students who depend on crab-picking jobs to support their households and continue their education.
Appealing directly to President Marcos, they asked for immediate government intervention to address the issues that led to the trade restriction and help restore Philippine access to the US market.
“We do not seek special treatment — only the opportunity to keep providing for our loved ones through honest work. Please help save our jobs. Please help secure our future,” they said.
Their appeal comes as concerns continue to grow in Negros Occidental and Western Visayas over the economic impact of the US import ban.
Not enough documentation?
During a privilege speech at the June 9 regular session of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Board Member Bambi Depasucat warned that the restriction, which took effect on June 11, could severely affect thousands of fisherfolk, crab pickers, transporters, traders, and processing workers across the region.
Depasucat explained that the US National Marine Fisheries Service imposed the restriction under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, not because of concerns over the quality or safety of Philippine crab products, but due to insufficient documentation showing adequate monitoring of bycatch, reporting of marine mammal interactions, and enforcement of conservation measures.
She noted that the Philippines is now the only major blue swimming crab-exporting nation barred from the US market, while Indonesia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka have secured approval to continue exports.
According to Depasucat, about 90 percent of Philippine blue swimming crab exports are shipped to the United States, totaling more than 2,400 metric tons annually and generating billions of pesos in revenue.
The region contributes around 51 percent of the country’s production, making Negros Occidental one of the industry’s key hubs.
The province’s crab industry supports around 20 crab-picking stations, hundreds of landing sites, two major processing plants, and thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
Reports of reduced operations and layoffs have already surfaced as buyers scale back purchases.
While emphasizing the importance of marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices, Depasucat said workers should not bear the consequences of regulatory gaps beyond their control.
She urged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to urgently comply with the requirements needed to regain access to the US market.
She also called for stronger implementation of the province’s blue swimming crab ordinance, improved monitoring and traceability systems, consultations with fisheries and aquatic resources management councils, and the exploration of alternative export markets.
For the deaf crab pickers and thousands of other workers, however, the issue remains deeply personal.
Their appeal highlights the human cost of the trade restriction, underscoring how a policy affecting international commerce has become a growing threat to the income, education and daily survival of marginalized communities that rely on the blue swimming crab industry./CCJ, WDJ