Gov. Vilma Santos eats Tawilis to calm fears, boost Taal Lake fish sales
• Batangas Governor Vilma Santos publicly ate Tawilis, a fish from Taal Lake, in a Facebook reel to convince the public that fish from the lake are safe to eat despite recent concerns
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• The public's apprehension and a drastic drop in fish sales were triggered by reports of alleged human remains, linked to missing cockfighting enthusiasts ("sabungeros"), found in Taal Lake
• Governor Santos emphasized that Tawilis is "non-carnivorous" and primarily consumes plants (phytoplankton), clarifying that it does not feed on flesh, thus posing no risk from the reported human remains
• Local fisherfolk have experienced significant financial hardship, with Tawilis prices plummeting from P250 to as low as P100 per kilo due to the reduced demand
Amidst dwindling sales and public apprehension fueled by recent reports of alleged human remains discovered in Taal Lake, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos has taken a public stand, personally partaking in Tawilis, the freshwater sardine endemic to the lake, to affirm its safety for consumption.
Source: Instagram
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Her action aims to quell growing concerns that have severely impacted the livelihood of local fisherfolk.
The alarm among consumers and a subsequent drastic drop in fish sales, particularly for Tawilis, began circulating last week following news reports about suspected human remains found within Taal Lake.
These discoveries were widely linked to the ongoing investigation into several missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or "sabungeros."
This association inadvertently cast a shadow over the entire aquatic bounty of the vast lake.
Addressing the issue directly through a Facebook reel, Governor Santos sought to reassure the public. "Tawilis, okay, nothing to worry with all these issues about our Taal.
"Tawilis, okay, nothing to worry with all these issues about our Taal. Nothing to worry," she asserted. She elaborated on the nature of the fish found in Taal Lake, stating, "First of all, ang mga isda po natin diyan like Tilapia and Bangus, cultured ‘yan. May mga fishpens po na nandidiyan na alaga po ang mga ‘yan."
Critically, she highlighted the dietary habits of Tawilis, scientifically known as Sardinella tawilis: "At ang Tawilis po natin non-carnivorous, hindi ito kumakain ng laman-laman, halaman ang kinakain nito."
This scientific distinction is crucial in allaying fears, as it explains why the fish would not be affected by or consume any human remains.
Fisherfolk in the Taal Lake vicinity have voiced their distress over the immediate economic repercussions.
Reports indicate that the price of Tawilis plummeted from an average of P250 per kilo to as low as P100 per kilo last week, reflecting the public's reluctance to purchase.
The sudden decline in demand has placed significant financial strain on communities reliant on the lake's resources.
Governor Santos reiterated that while investigations into the reported incidents in Taal Lake are ongoing, the integrity of the fish supply remains unaffected.
"There’s an issue sa nangyayari diyan sa Taal Lake pero hindi dapat maapektuhan ang pagkain ng magagandang isda na meron diyan. Napakalawak ng Taal Lake," she emphasized, suggesting that the sheer size of the lake helps in containing localized incidents.
"Ang importante ang mga isda diyan alaga po, so, nothing to worry! Enjoy Tawilis, enjoy Tilapia, and enjoy our Bangus and Maliputo. Mabuhay ang Taal Lake!" she passionately concluded, encouraging sustained patronage of all local fish varieties.
The public endorsement by a figure as prominent as Governor Santos is seen as a vital step in rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting the local fishing industry, which provides sustenance and income for numerous families in the region.
Vilma Santos, affectionately known as 'Ate Vi' and hailed as the Philippines' "Star for All Seasons," is a celebrated actress and politician whose career has spanned over decades. She began her illustrious career as a child actress in the 1963 film Trudis Liit, earning her first FAMAS Award for Best Child Performer. She also famously portrayed the Filipino superheroine Darna in multiple films. In 1998, she transitioned into politics, serving as the Mayor of Lipa City, Batangas, for three consecutive terms until 2007. She then became the first female Governor of Batangas. In her personal life, she is married to Senator Ralph Recto, and they have a son named Ryan Christian. She also has a son, Luis Manzano, from her previous marriage to actor Edu Manzano.
Last April, Vilma Santos was among the first to arrive at the wake of her longtime colleague, Nora Aunor. On Thursday, April 17, ABS-CBN News uploaded a video of Vilma's quiet arrival in Taguig. Clad in a simple white long-sleeved polo shirt and black pants, Vilma visited the late icon. The footage has since gone viral online, especially among fans of the two legendary artists.
It can be recalled that she was also among the first to extend her heartfelt condolences on the passing of her friend, Nora Aunor. In her Instagram Story, she referred to Aunor as a "Superstar and National Artist." Santos expressed gratitude for Aunor's significant contributions to the nation's arts and culture. Their friendship was deeply rooted in decades of shared careers in the film industry.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
