Villanueva vows to revive Sapian’s fishing industry

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By Felipe V. Celino

SAPIAN, Capiz – Re-elected Mayor Jose O. Villanueva has vowed to boost Sapian’s tourism industry by restoring Sapian Bay as a thriving fishing ground abundant with high-quality fish and shellfish species.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian on Monday, July 14, Villanueva said he hopes to achieve this during his second term for the benefit of small-scale fishermen and shellfish gatherers.

He said the vision inspired the local government’s launch of the “Pagpasanyog et Kasubaan et Sapian” (Clearing and Widening of Sapian Rivers) project held Saturday, July 12, at the Angkin Fish Port in Barangay Poblacion, Sapian.

Capiz Gov. Fredenil Oto Castro led the launching, joined by several local officials.

Castro pledged his full support for the project, noting it will not only restore fish abundance but also help prevent flooding.

He stressed the importance of river conservation, saying it is “already part of our lives and the livelihood of the community.”

Villanueva said the governor helped secure an amphibious excavator from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 6 to dredge the heavily silted river from Sitio Angkin in Poblacion to Barangay Lonoy.

He said that of Sapian’s 10 barangays, nine are coastal, with most residents depending on fishing for their livelihood.

The mayor aims to bring back the once-abundant angel wings clam, locally known as diwal, which declined due to overharvesting.

Once the dredging and river widening are complete, Villanueva plans to install fish cages and floating bamboo rafts for oyster and green mussel farming.

As development progresses, he also envisions floating cottages and restaurants, similar to Bohol’s popular Loboc floating restaurant.

He said the Angkin Fish Port and river will be transformed into a tourism destination for Sapian.

Villanueva said he will also create a Task Force Bantay Dagat to protect and manage diwal and other marine resources in the area.

Following his reelection, the mayor vowed to pursue more development projects.

He said the renewed mandate reflects the public’s trust and reinforces his commitment to people-centered governance.

Top priorities include constructing a two-story public market using local funds and establishing a new water system sourced from Sitio Perara.

He said he is also coordinating with the Department of Health to build a Super Health Center in Poblacion.

His administration will continue to improve farm-to-market roads and enhance local tourism initiatives.

Villanueva described the election results as a “tremendous event,” citing a near-landslide win for his slate.

He won by a wide margin over his sole opponent, Doni Oducado, with 13,396 votes to Oducado’s 1,499.

His running mate, reelected Vice Mayor Ralph Odrunia, ran unopposed.

Only one of Villanueva’s eight Sangguniang Bayan candidates was not elected.

Before entering local politics, Villanueva was a practicing lawyer in Manila.

He later served as Capiz provincial administrator for nine years under former Gov. Victor Tanco Sr.