DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) - The mouthwatering smell of sinugbang tuloy (grilled herring) filled the morning air in Dipolog City’s Sunset Boulevard as locals and guests from different government offices alike joined the “Tuloy Salo-Salo.”

“Tuloy Salo-Salo” is an annual event of the City Government of Dipolog to celebrate the bounty of the sea, as part of the  P’gsalabuk Festival.

"Tuloy," also known as tamban, is a staple food in Dipolog, particularly during its season, typically from March onward. There's a three-month closed fishing season from November to February.

“The availability of tuloy in large quantities is considered a positive indicator of the overall health and prosperity of our fisheries resources,” said Provincial Fishery Officer Arcelita Andaya, who represented Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Al-Zath Kunting. 

BFAR recorded an estimated production of 178,818 metric tons in 2022, based on their National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) data.

Kunting stressed that the data suggests a thriving ecosystem in the fishing areas of Zamboanga Peninsula region, noting an adequate supply of nutrients and favorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms.

“This is good news for fishermen and coastal communities who depend on these resources for their livelihood, as it enhances their opportunities for sustainable fishing and increases their income,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dipolog City Mayor Darel Dexter Uy expressed his gratitude to all the government officials who are in town to attend the 183rd Regional Development Council meeting for partaking in the event.

“Dili nato malimod nga ang tuloy season usa sa mga gihulat nga panahon sa mga Dipolognon (We cannot deny that Dipolognons usually anticipate the start of the tuloy season). We are truly blessed not only by its abundance in our oceans but also by the collective spirit of the community gathered here today. Let us cherish the abundance that surrounds us and share it generously,” he said.

In an interview, the mayor shared that his favorite among the tuloy dishes is “kinilaw,” a raw version of the tuloy sardine marinated in vinegar with various spices for flavorings.

Three dishes were prepared and shared among visitors from the fresh catch in the morning, which include the “sugba-tula-kilaw,” or  Su-Tu-Kil” as it is widely known.

The guests have also enjoyed an initiation of “hagpatanay,” or removing the captured fish from the net, along the shores of Sunset Boulevard.

Government agencies who were present during the activity were the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Empoyment, BFAR, and the Philippine Information Agency, among others. They were also joined by barangay and other local officials in Dipolog. (RVC/EDT/PIA Zamboanga del Norte)