Croc dishes a hit in Pangasinan

Here's something for the adventurous traveler to try during the holidays in Alaminos City in Pangasinan province - "Lacoste sisig and tapa."

 

The delicacies based on crocodile meat are being offered as alternatives to the usual pork-based lechon and ham, GMA Dagupan reported Wednesday.

 

Alaminos residents prize the crocodile meat due to its unique taste, the report said. A serving of the dish costs P250.

 

"Maraming kumakain na babae at lalaki, mostly matatanda na kasi kakaiba siya. Hinahanap-hanap nila, mostly nga po na-a-out of stock kami kasi grabe po ang demand ng Laste sisig sa amin," said Gold Rabadon, who prepares the dish.

 

The report said the meat comes from cultured saltwater crocodiles in Palawan.

 

"Ang crocodile naman po talaga is endangered species pero there are some exemptions siguro to the rule kasi itong mga ito cultured sila. So pag sinabi poing cultured sila, inaalagaan po sila, pinaparami," said provider Cloyd Peter Lalas.

 

For its part, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said these crocodiles can be slaughtered for meat so long as the provider has the proper permits.

 

"Dapat hindi hinuli kasi kaunti na lang ang population ng mga yun, pero kung crocodile farm, may permit yun. Humingi ng pahintulot sa (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) ng permit for commercial purposes, pwede," said provincial environment and natural resources officer Wendy Co. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News