Cagayan: Morning at the Fishing Village in Taggat Lagoon Claveria

The clear waters of Taggat Lagoon
The clear waters of Taggat Lagoon

The good thing about taking time on a destination is that you have the leeway to go back to certain places again within the trip. While we enjoyed the afternoon catching the Parambolan and the boatmen settling down at Taggat Lagoon, we were wondering what it is like in the morning when the fishing boats are sent out to sea and brought back to shore with their fresh catches. Nope we didn’t wake up before the sunrise to shoot landscapes but to see the people go around doing their daily chores.

Keeping the beach cove clean
Keeping the beach cove clean

It was mid-morning when we got to Taggat Lagoon and we noticed the reduced number of boats at the shore. I also noticed the beach being kept clean by the locals. They have a basket they carry around while picking the trash along the shore. I think I should pay more than the P10 entrance fee for this maintenance. They deserve it.

Kids enjoying their time at the lagoon while their parents fish
Kids enjoying their time at the lagoon while their parents fish

While the boatmen were at sea, I went further up to the rocks to see what the kids were up to. A lot of them were playing by the natural pool sheltered by the rocks. I was just amused on how easy these kids were enjoying a simple life like this. Even the dogs shared its time to do some splashes. At the imposing rock at the center of the cove entrance, a few more kids were cliff-diving. I carefully made my way on the rocks and saw how clear the water was no matter how deep it is.

Even the pets join in for the splash
Even the pets join in for the splash

As I went back to the beach near the Fish Market, I saw a couple of guys carrying a net container. I was curious what was in there and saw a good number of lobsters crawling inside. It was a lobster farm and boy they were huge. I watched them walk towards the sea and submerge the cage underwater.

How about some cliff-diving
How about some cliff-diving

A village bayanihan were happening as a group of fishermen helped each other pull their boats away from the sea to the shore. As they unravel their nets, their buckets, pails and other containers overflowed with fishes. I was just amused some kids playing around with an extra pair of fish their elders caught.

A lobster cage
A lobster cage

We saw Ms Helen Eva again busy managing the Fish Market as both men and women bring their catch for inventory. Iced and contained, the fishes are now ready to be delivered at the town Market as well at the nearby towns.

A boat bayanihan
A boat bayanihan

We said hi and goodbye to Ms Eva but didn’t bother her as much seeing how busy they were. Fishing is the main livelihood of this village and I’m glad to see how abundant the sea here for their living. I guess there is truth to the legend of Apo Lakay-lakay looking over the people here as long as they remain hospitable and giving to their fellows. No wonder Cagayanos are so kind.

Carrying the fish to the market
Carrying the fish to the market