North Cebu Town Wants to Replicate Camiguin Giant Clams Conservation Project

The municipal government of Liloan in northern Cebu wants to replicate the giant clam conservation project of the Cantaan Centennial Multipurpose Cooperative (CCMPC) of Camiguin, an official said.

Liloan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rolando Tabuñag said the municipal government is serious about its coastal resource management program.

The town allots more than PHP2 million a year on fisheries management and law enforcement, Tabuñag said.

Liloan used to be known for giant clams sold as fresh “kinilaw” on the highway near the town hall.

In early 2000, the municipal government seized 1,400 giant clams that were displayed along the highway.

The seized clams were placed in the Barangay Poblacion marine sanctuary, which covers 24 hectares when combined with the adjacent Barangay Suba marine sanctuary.

Sol Panugan, councilor in the coastal barangay of Cotcot in Liloan, said her village also wants to learn from CCMPC on how to begin and sustain coastal resource management projects.

CCMPC is a finalist in the 6th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Triennial Awards.

Alona and Anita Cordero of CCMPC presented their project Wednesday to officials of coastal barangays and Bantay Dagat of Liloan.

Alona said the giant clam conservation project eased pressure on their coastal resources as members no longer rely solely on fishing for livelihood.

The giant clam conservation project of CCMPC has become a major tourist attraction in Camiguin.

CCMPC earns about PHP100,000 a month from fees collected from visitors.

The CCMPC’s giant clam conservation nursery and sanctuary has 1,400 adult giant clams and 2,600 juveniles.

Giant clams are the world’s largest immobile mollusk and are anchored to coral reefs in tropical waters. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS