• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The population of giant clams at the five-hectare marine sanctuary within the Lakawon Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City has grown to more than 5,000.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said on Wednesday, July 8 such is a result of favorable environmental conditions and sustained conservation efforts.
Escalante shared that the giant clam population has steadily increased since the establishment of the Giant Clam Village (GC Ville) in 2024.
“They grow very fast if the environment is conducive and if they are left undisturbed in the areas where they stay,” Escalante said.
As public interest in the sanctuary continues to rise, the city government has enacted an ordinance regulating visitor access to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
While the sanctuary is open to tourists, visitors are discouraged from entering during low tide, when the giant clams are exposed and susceptible to disturbance or accidental damage.
Located behind Lakawon Island, the marine sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for four species of giant clams – Tridacna squamosa (fluted giant clam), Tridacna crocea (boring giant clam), Tridacna maxima (small giant clam), and Hippopus hippopus (horse hoof clam).
The clams are known for their vibrant blue, green, and orange hues, which are produced by symbiotic algae living within their tissues.
GC Ville was established through a partnership between the city government and the privately operated Lakawon Island Resort.
The city government has further strengthened protection measures following the illegal extraction of 33 giant clams from the sanctuary on Dec. 25 last year.
In response, Escalante ordered stricter enforcement of the “no entry” policy and the installation of marker buoys around portions of the Lakawon Marine Protected Area to prevent unauthorized access.
“GC Ville is emerging as a promising eco-tourism destination, reflecting Cadiz City’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism,” the mayor said. | GPB
