Popular in the Philippines is a little, herring-like fish called Bombon Sardines-Tawilis or Sardinella Tawilis. The tawilis is a well-liked option among health-conscious people since, like all sardine species in the nation, it has a distinct flavor and is nutritious. Protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B12 are all present in a healthy amount in Tawilis Sardines. They are a safe option for expectant mothers and small children due to their low mercury content.
The Tawilis is endemic to the Taal Lake in Batangas, it is the only freshwater sardine in the world. A delicacy enjoyed by the Filipinos, but hearing that the favorite pinoy fish is now endangered saddens the Tawilis fanatics and especially the locals.
Loved and enjoyed by many Filipinos, the Tawilis became endangered due to overexploitation. There exists methods and advocacies to conserve and preserve Phillipine Heritages just like the Tawilis. However, even if the main purpose was to conserve and preserve, studies show that fish farms that have fish cages which purpose was to spread and farm fishes poses as a threat to these favorite pinoy sardines. Due to this cages, habitats and fishing grounds are reduced impeding the movement of the tawilis and deteriorating the lake's water quality.
Locals were surprised that the Tawilis was declared as an endangered species because they are not affected by the decline since they live close to where the Tawilis inhabits. For them, the tawilis is still blooming and swimming in the lake, safe and sound.
Addressing the main reasons why Tawilis are endangered is the first step in the journey of preserving heritages like them. The local government decided to implement closed season for the months of March and April to let the Tawilis rest and reproduce. Also, to prevent overfishing and illegal fishing. The reserved areas for the Tawilis is also a great research to find out if the Tawilis which is endemic to Taal Lake can survive on other freshwater lake in the Philippines. Rehabilitation of the lake's water quality could also improve the life the Tawilis specie have in the Taal Lake. Enhancing the nutrients, focusing on the Tawilis' habitat will contribute meaningfully in the pursuit of enhancing the lake's water quality.
To care for the Tawilis, one must also care for the home it resides in. Blindly caring just for the Tawilis itself is not care but greed. We must always remember how one life cannot exist without the other.