The Roll-on Roll-off scheme and the Jal-o River Watershed








Balete is acquainted into the National Economy and vice versa through the roll-on, roll-off scheme (ro-ro). Slowly, farmers are turning into instant traders by the roadside displaying proudly the fruits of their labor. Yet long before the ro-ro scheme passed through Balete, it was regionally known for its oysters, mussels and other brackish water fishery produce displayed along roadside at Sitio Miekulesan, Barangay Aranas and of its distinct pinipig in Sitio Bangbang, Barangay Feliciano. Nipa shingles (ambulong and nipa) produced in Barangay Aranas, Arcangel, Calizo and Cortes have been consistently marketed to as far as Iloilo. The same is observed as to the diverse agricultural produced coming from the mountainous barangays of Balete.

The opportunities brought forth by the ro-ro should be grasped at and maximize to their full potentials. It is not farfetched to make Balete a hub of both agricultural and fishery produce coming within the Jal-o River watershed[1] as transit point into the regional or even national economic centers through the ro-ro.

[1] The Aklan Rivers Development Council identifies the Jal-o River Watershed as the expanse within the perimeter of the Jal-o River covering portions of municipalities of Jamindan (Capiz), Altavas, Libacao, Banga and Batan.

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