CADIZ CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Cadiz City has established a marine conservation area known as the Giant Clam Village (GC Ville), located adjacent to the well-known Lakawon Island Resort. This 9.7-hectare habitat, now home to 2,718 endangered giant clams, represents a significant environmental initiative launched in response to the global biodiversity crisis.
According to Philippines News Agency, the site was declared a marine reserve by the City Council as one of the inspiring outcomes from the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. Osorio, who originally gathered shells as a pastime with her friends at the resort, found herself caring for three giant clams by accident. This casual interest turned into a conservation passion, leading to the establishment of the reserve with the help of the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCAG).
GC Ville is populated by four species of giant clams, showcasing vibrant colors thanks to the symbiotic algae living in their tissues. These include species like the fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) and the horse hoof clam (Hippopus hippopus), with the largest mollusk in the village measuring 33.5 cm. Giant clams are essential to marine ecosystems as they act as natural water filters.
Despite having no formal background in marine conservation, Osorio has embraced her role, diving and snorkeling regularly to monitor the clams and the health of the marine environment. The OCAG, now employing Osorio, has noted the importance of protecting these mollusks, especially after several were beached during an El Niño event earlier this year.
While GC Ville has not yet officially opened to the public as an ecotourism destination, it has already garnered attention from select visitors, including local government and media representatives. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., an advocate for marine preservation, envisions the site as a future major attraction, underscoring its uniqueness in the country.
The ongoing efforts to protect and conserve these clams highlight Cadiz City’s commitment to environmental stewardship, aiming to turn GC Ville into a beacon of marine conservation and sustainable tourism.