An Afternoon in Sabang Fish Port

The Sabang Fishport Cold Storage Facility in Calabanga was built in February 2016 to boost government initiatives in spurring economic activities and resolving poverty. It aims to develop a new facility that will serve as the main catalyst of fishing and other agricultural industries in the municipalities along San Miguel Bay. The project is expected to benefit local fishermen, fish brokers, construction suppliers, and the local population. Fishing activities in the area yield an estimated 14.6 metric tons of fish a day. Of the entire volume of fish catch, about 99 percent comes from marine fisheries and 1 per cent from aquaculture fisheries.

SOURCE:https://thefishsite.com/articles/new-fish-port-cold-storage-facility-opened-in-camarines-sur

“It's in those quiet little towns, at the edge of the world, that you will find the salt of the earth people who make you feel right at home.” – Aaron Lauritsen

Going to Sabang Fish Port would only take 10-15 minutes for you to travel if you are in the Centro of Calabanga. As you walk in front of its Town Plaza, Habal Habal and Tricycle drivers will catch your attention saying, “Ma’am/Sir, Sabang po!”. These men politely follow health protocols since there is an existing pandemic – they only ride three passengers in one tricycle and charge them with 15 pesos fare each.

Once you smell the scent of coastal air to salty fish and chips, it signals that in just a minute you’ll be arriving at your destination. As you take a look in their community you will see how these people live in simplicity. But everything has changed since the pandemic started to affect the lives of every individual. Unlike before, children are used to greet people who are new faces to them. Some would entertain you and showcase their swimming talents as they jump and dive in the sea. Elders are fond of telling stories to anyone who approaches them and you can learn from their wisdom. Men were busy fishing while their wife stayed at home to make daing or dried fish.

A new normal afternoon situation in Sabang Fish Port is quite far from what has been the reality before – Yes, you can still see those small boats sailing for almost an hour just to do fishing and they’ll come back with either a small or large quantity of fresh caught fish. But whatever they are doing it is something that makes them live for a day. Regardless of its quantity you’ll still see their smile going back from the sea where their family is waiting and other fishermen will help them to get up from the water.

While some are busy feeding their families – others simply choose to unwind and observe the scenery of the sea to feel relaxed and breathe from everything that feels so heavy. It is actually a good place to visit with your friends and family especially if you want to witness how people lived near the sea and how they cope up with the present situation that everyone is battling on during this time of pandemic.

But despite everything, you’ll notice that there is a change especially on how people will treat you because of the fact that we are all supposed to distance ourselves from others physically. You couldn’t feel the same engagement you had before since COVID-19 pandemic affected the vibes not just in Sabang community but in anywhere you go.

And one thing will not change – the fact that these people still smile at you though you are just a stranger to them. Even if you are wearing a mask you’ll see how their eyes welcome you with kindness and that is one Filipino attitude that no one can replace despite the everyday struggles we had.