The Tagum City Multi-Species Hatchery Project, which was inaugurated last week, is aiming to make crabs more affordable and readily-available to locals as well as produce for export to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario said the hatchery is intended to supply farmers with various crab species that can be cultivated, particularly native varieties for local demand, and the high-value softshell crab for export. The ASEAN Economic [Community] (AEC) will happen soon, and if we can't make this city competitive with this project, I don't see how we can make the city competitive in the ASEAN," Mr. del Rosario said, noting that the region has a 650-million population.

Carillo, C. A. (2015, October 8). Crab hatchery in Tagum aims for ASEAN market. BusinessWorld, p. S1/8.