SEA URCHIN

It is said that man can survive for a day if you give him fish, but here in La Union, we teach them how to fish in order for them to live a self-sustainable life. A community-based project, Balaoan’s Sea Urchin industry has become a big source of income for this northern La Union town, especially to barangay Paraoir and the adjacent barangays of Luna and Bacnotan towns. Locally known as “Maratangtang”, this Echinoderm of the Class Enchinoidia, is a favorite delicacy among the Ilocanos. Even foreigners love its sweet and juicy taste, which is also a popular aphrodisiac.

This success story is the result of a well-coordinated livelihood and technology transfer program of the Provincial Government of La Union through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist headed by its energetic head, Madame Amelia Q. Sotelo in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agriculture, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Municipal Government of Balaoan and the Rotary Club. After technology was transferred to the residents, they were initially provided with 250 cages that housed the sea urchins for two to three months before harvest. The juvenile sea urchins, which are about the size of the foot’s thumb, were brought from Bolinao, Pangasinan. Its food is not a problem. It eats seaweeds locally known as “Aragan” which is abundant in the area. At present, there are now 1000 cages strategically scattered by the residents in their seashores and there are more to come. Today, Sea Urchin growers from the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are now buying their juvenile Sea Urchins in our province. Merchants and tourist come to the area for the delicacy’s low price sold at 80 pesos per Kilo. Visitors can also rent boats for them to actually see the harvesting process of our famous “Maratangtang” and enjoy our colorful and well preserved corals.

Cultured side by side with this delicious Echinoderm is a Sea Algae called Uchuma locally known as “Kankanut”. It will be exported in Japan to be used and processed in making Gelatins. It is also the favorite salad of the locals.

The Offices of the Provincial Agriculturist are now also looking for beneficiaries for their next program which include Lapu-Lapu and Crab Culture technology. With the presence of competent men and women of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the industrious people of the La Union will never go hungry. Balaoan Sea Urchin industry is a clear proof of the people’s unity and a source in the province.