According to the IUCN, Sardinella Tawilis, or better known locally as Tawilis, has been declared as endangered. Research suggests that the harvest of Tawilis has seen a decline of 49% from the past ten years. As the only freshwater sardine in the world, Tawilis is considered as an exquisite delicacy, and as it can only be found in Taal Lake, it’s also been considered as a staple dish in our region.
With this, Restaurant Verbena will be taking Tawilis of its menu immediately until such time that the population of Tawilis reaches to a healthy amount. As a restaurant that aims to connect diners with fresh, local ingredients, Restaurant Verbena feels the responsibility to do its part in making sure that Tawilis is a delicacy that can still be enjoyed by our children and their children after.