-Good day Jmarch,
I live in the Philippines and would like to be so bold as to offer you my hospitality when you come down here! I live in Manila by the way. I actually sent you an introduction email awhile ago about myself and what i do. I just got off the phone with my friend from the aquatic bureau and she said that i can request a visit to a government farm research facility in eastern samar. It's perfectly safe there. The other 2 options are: to visit a farm (japanese co-owned)all the way in Basilan, Mindanao (it's abu sayyaf territory but the Philippine president said they're no longer a threat there and the best indication is that "jollibee", a local burger giant just re-opened their basilan branch). Right now there's a shoot to order directive to anyone from the government side intending to go there since some shady gov bureaucrats owe them for some "borrowed" pearls which were never returned. I'd hate to be mistaken since i have a lot to live for...Although the owner and head of the cooperative is a very nice old muslim guy who had to cancel a december meeting with me because he was undergoing a mild heart attack. He's ok now but harvesting in March or so. They produce pinkish pearls, believe it or not. I still haven't seen them though. The other option is to ask Jewelmer if they can accommodate a visit..
By the way, the only active pearl farm in Cebu i know of is owned by Dr. Divinagracia. I believe their company name is Diven. It's one of the older ones which has been around since the 60's. Anyway, the waters are not so great so they mostly produce abalone for cuisine purposes. The other thing is that the government tried to introduce fw production in Luzon (Bulacan) but they had to shut it down not-because of substandard quality but because they were besieged by rampant stealing throughout the entire process, ayayayay! My friend from the aquatic bureau is doing an audit of a (seaweed) aquatic farm in Bicol till thursday and i'm afraid i can't get anymore info from her till she comes back to civilization.
I do hope i can be of any assistance to you. Good day!
Anastacia Castaņeda Aoki
www.leaf-jewellery.dk