Baklad Update

BakLOSE or BakLUGE?

Our baklad suffered damages during the super typhoon. The nets were safe as they were pulled out prior to the storm. The affected were the bamboo poles as they were bent/halved/uprooted during wave action.

Knowing this, obviously we would need repairs to continue operation. We arranged a meeting with our operator. We discussed what has to be done and how much is it going to cost us. We agreed to terms and told him we'll find ways to provide that amount. He asked us to buy a boat, but insisted we will only buy a boat if the capital is gained. We actually have the money for repairs but we were waiting for him to offer other terms as this project is not only ours but a partnership of both parties. We gave what he asked for (the repairs) on a fine Sunday. Everything is alright until his cousin (our driver) called me at night.

He was giving the money back and wants to talk to us the next day. I said ok and I had a hunch on what is going on. I believe there are rumors circulating again between him and our driver's family. The next day, I met him. He was very furious and was returning the baklad to us. He wants no part of it anymore. He said he was tired of all the rumors/gossips that surrounds our operation. Our driver and the operator's wife wanted to speak but I gave them a big hand to tell them that the talk is between me and our operator.

Then it was my turn.

I was very upset of what happened. I was busy too at that time and having this problem is a pain in the A. I explained to him this is a TRUST issue. We invested because we know he can make the money grow. We know he was good at this. He supported his family as well as the community with baklad fishing. But why? His cousin, our driver was the one who encouraged us to invest on him. But what happened, the two families are now at war. The root cause: "chismis" (gossips/rumors)

I told him our side. I told him it's a business and money matters. We don't give a damn about their lives but we didn't want this situation in the first place. I explained to him everything and told him their acts are bullshit. I shortened our conversation by thanking him for the last 5months. We parted ways and he was happy to give our baklad back.

I left there with my face down and a heavy heart. I am saddened by this culture, the upbringing and the mentality they have. He could have been our future mudcrabs operator we could have put up more baklads. But after all, it is not a good business if one side is unhappy. Now gone are the days thinking he bought his new motorbike and new fishing boat at our own expense. If ever, karma is lurking to balance things out.

Also, our ex-Chief came to me and asked me how is our business doing. I told him about our story and what's our plan. He was happy for us because of investing and he advised that just keep our heads up. He also showed pictures of baklad in bird's eye view. I was shocked that there are plenty, around 10-15 while 5 months ago, there's only two! Anyway, you we have to move on. It's all in the past now.

Our next move is to find a new operator. And it seems like our driver will be the one to manage and just hire someone who will harvest. We will see. We lose our operator but we are not yet luge. :)