Customs chief urged: Stop export of raw seashells

A group of Cebu export-manufacturers will submit to the Bureau of Customs by November 12 a position paper calling for a stop to the export of raw seashells.

“We had this problem a long time ago but it was not such a big deal before. Now we are beginning to see it as a threat that will need immediate action,” said Ramir Bonghanoy, president of the Gift, Toys and Housewares Foundation Inc.

He and Philexport executive director Fred Escalona earlier raised the problem in last Thursday’s breakfast meeting with newly appointed Customs Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon in Cebu City.

They expressed alarm that the large-scale export of raw seashells from the Visayas and Mindanao to China and Korea was undercutting the supply to Cebu exporters who use seashells in their products as inlays for handbags, furniture , décor and other items.

While Biazon promised to look into it, Bonghanoy said the group has to formalize their complaints and start a nationwide campaign against exportation of raw seashells.

The help of other government agencies is needed like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquamarine Resources, Philexport, the local governments units and Bantay Dagat groups, he said.

“While we are asking for a total stop to these exportation, we also think that we can also help protect endangered marine resources so we need the Bantay Dagat to help.”

Bonghanoy said Cebu stakeholders can take initial steps that can be  duplicated.

“I’m sure this problem is also happening in other parts of the country especially in the lower part of Mindanao like Tawi-Tawi. It’s time we assert our right to reap the benefits of having rich marine resources first,” said Bonghanoy.

The GTH Foundation is also looking into ways to make the supply of marine resources sustainable.

“We have been in talks with the BFAR about seashell propagation,” he said and will coordinate with DENR to help identify project sites.

“Hopefully we can also be able to make these plans into reality because it is the fate of the local manufacturers like myself that’s at stake,” he said.

“Foreigners love our products made from seashells and we think there will always be a market for that. That is why it’s important that we protect our resources,” Bonghanoy said.