Diwal harvest starts in Panay, Capiz

By Felipe V. Celino

PANAY, Capiz — The harvest season for “diwal,” or angel wings, has started in Panay, Capiz.

Panay Mayor Jonathan “Sonny” Besa confirmed the harvest in a media interview Wednesday, May 27.

He said those who want to buy the exotic shellfish should coordinate with the local government unit of Panay.

Besa said he learned about the abundance of the shellfish from barangay officials of Agojo and Navitas, where “diwal” are now available and ready for harvest.

Besa recently issued an executive order to start and regulate the harvest to help “diwal” divers.

He said the harvesting of “diwal” in Panay will be on a first-come, first-served or reserved-to-order basis, based on the executive order.

The shellfish will be sold at PHP 400 per kilo for personal consumption.

Those who intend to resell the shellfish may buy it at PHP 350 per kilo, limited to less than 20 kilos.

“Diwal,” popularly known as angel wings, or Pholas orientalis, is a rare and highly prized seasonal bivalve native to Western Visayas.

Known for its sweet, clean flavor and delicate meat, it is considered the “queen of clams” and a premium heritage delicacy.