CEBU CITY – The municipality of Bantayan in Cebu’s northernmost island is planning to develop a multi-species hatchery for fishermen, and build a pilgrimage to promote religious tourism in the coastal town.

These plans were revealed by Bantayan Mayor Arthur Despi during Thursday’s Laging Handa public briefing of Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar.

Bantayan, with a population of less than 100,000, is considered the most populous and largest municipality in the northern island of Cebu.

The planned hatchery is seen to help fishermen earn more.

Despi said he has requested Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar for help to realize the project through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“As a coastal town with fishing as the main source of livelihood, we want to venture into sea farming or sea ranching by developing a multi-species hatchery. With this, we can enhance the rich fishing ground in the Visayan sea by 50 percent or more,” the mayor said.

Earlier, Dar said maintaining a hatchery is expensive compared to cultivating nurseries, adding that improving the genetics of fingerlings must be continued at all costs.

Despi said he just recently talked with a private company that assured of a buyer who would export the products developed at the hatchery.

He said they have identified the type of fish species to breed.

Despi said he is in talks with BFAR in Central Visayas regarding the project, which is now in the pipeline.

He also shared plans on how they intend to boost the tourism appeal of Bantayan town.

Currently, most tourists flock to the island’s Sta. Fe town for its famous beach resorts.

“Tourists come to our town to buy dried fish,” Despi said, adding that visitors also go to the islets to see the coral reefs and view the sunset.

Bantayan is home to the oldest parish in the Visayas, something that could back plans to boost the town’s religious tourism.

The mayor raised the possibility of building a pilgrimage which can serve as his town’s contribution to the quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the country next year.

“This way we can perhaps promote our town as a religious tourism destination. This will certainly be an inspiration to work on,” he said.

Every Holy Week, local and foreign tourists flock to Bantayan town as it is known for its unique Lenten season celebration. (PNA)