PAGBULAD SA BATO

Pagbulad sa Bato is a traditional fish drying method practiced by fishermen in Bagongbayan, Buruanga, Aklan, using flat stones heated by the sun to dry fish from both sides. This technique works through heat conduction, where the stones warm up and help dry the underside of the fish, while the sun dries the top side. Fishermen often use this method when they are away for days without refrigeration or ice, allowing them to preserve fish like tamban and tuna more effectively. The stones are abundant, reusable, and easy to carry, making the practice sustainable and practical. Though the method has existed for decades, it has only recently been documented, and many locals are still unaware of it, showing the need for wider awareness and research. Currently, the tradition is passed informally among fishermen, who teach others and their children as part of their shared livelihood and cultural pride.