Tom Avelino Arcalas remembers that afternoon in November 1991 when the Abra River yielded bountiful “ludong,” the most expensive freshwater fish in the country that is endemic in the river. Arcalas, now 73, was born and lived all his life in Santa, a town in Ilocos Sur province traversed by the expansive Abra River. His house is just 100 meters away from the riverbank and 500 meters before the river exits to the sea. “It was during sunset of that day when abundant ludong swam down to the river and fishermen used gill nets to harvest them. The following morning, there were still ludong to catch,” he said in a recent interview.

Sotelo, Y. (2025, January 5). Looking for 'ludong' in Abra River. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A7.