Jan 21
G9 21/365 FYI Tawilis is an endangered species
Taal Lake sardine (tawilis) is endemic to Taal Lake. It is not available anywhere else in the Philippines. It does taste really good with soy sauce and calamansi whether it was deep fried or grilled. If it's on the menu, everyone should try it at least once. At least once.
Other people may frown upon this recommendation because tawilis is an endangered species. However, if it's in the menu AND you haven't tried it ever, why not order it anyway?
Those of us who have been blessed to have tried tawilis should go easy on it. We want them to stay and multiply in the lake for the next generations.
There are many ways to help : 1. Help spread the information that tawilis is endangered. With blogs and Twitter and Facebook, how could this be difficult? 2. Contact the local government units of Tagaytay City and Batangas province -- governments sharing Taal Lake -- and inquire if efforts are being done to preserve the species. While you're at it, either push them to do something, or ask how you can help. 3. Fishermen should stop fishing for tawilis. Fishermen would be the first to know if a certain species is becoming rare, but if this is their main source of income, how do you expect them to stop? Offer an alternative livelihood program.
I'm doing number 1 now. I may be able to pull off number 2, but number 3 is a task for governments and NGOs. A serious, well-funded campaign is needed for that.
Bottomline -- if the tawilis have already been captured and waiting to fulfill their purpose with your palate, by all means, just order it to be able to try it at least once in your life. Then to make sure that your children and grandchildren will also be able to try this delicious fish at least once, do ways-to-help numbers 1 and 2. And if you can, walk an extra mile to number 3.
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