Cadiz’s ‘uga’ lifeline for Tino-hit towns

A total of 1.2 tons of “uga” courtesy of Cadiz City Mayor Bading Escalante Jr. was received by the La Castellana local government unit for evacuees affected by Typhoon Tino on November 4.

As families in southern Negros Occidental struggled to rebuild after Typhoon Tino’s onslaught, Cadiz City’s “uga” (dried fish) served as a quiet reminder that resilience can come from local resources.

Each ton of “uga” delivered to the hardest-hit areas carried a message of hope — that like dried fish enduring the sun, wind, and rain, people can survive storms with grit and persistence.

Beyond symbolism, “uga” also provided sustenance — a staple on the Filipino table, especially for struggling households.

Now, it has become a literal lifeline for families displaced by the typhoon.

The crisis brought by Typhoon Tino cast a spotlight on Cadiz’s dried fish industry, especially in evacuation sites across the 4th and 5th Districts of the province.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante Jr. sent 1.2 tons of dried fish each to eight affected localities, totaling 9.6 tons.

Recipients in the 4th District included the cities of Bago and La Carlota and the town of Pulupandan.

In the 5th District, donations went to the towns of Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, La Castellana, and Hinigaran.

Each locality also received 20 sacks of rice.

“It is better to give than to receive,” Escalante said, citing the biblical proverb from Acts 20:35.

Escalante, who also serves as president of the Association of Chief Executives in Negros Occidental, said he empathized with fellow mayors burdened by the needs of thousands of evacuees.

“I know they can survive, but helping them one way or another means a lot to them and their constituents,” he said.

He added that while dried fish may seem like a simple donation, it makes a big difference to ordinary people during crisis.

“Uga is our famous local produce,” he said.

“It speaks beyond endurance and resiliency — it represents hope amid grit and struggle — perfect for those who are starting over after Tino.”

He stressed that “uga” also symbolized relief and recovery.

For Escalante, sending dried fish to affected towns was both a practical and symbolic gesture.

He emphasized that Cadiz’s dried fish industry has long sustained its coastal families — food that endures without electricity and reflects the resilience of people who make the most of what nature provides.

“In every crisis — economic or natural — ‘uga’ has always been a lifeline,” he said.

As Cadiz delivered the goods to local governments in the south, Escalante said the act carried a rhythm of solidarity and shared struggle.

“I am proud to do something and share something that brings meaning to people in crisis,” he said.

“And it’s heartwarming indeed.”

“Bangud sa ‘uga,’ always may pag-asa!” he added.