The true giant clam, locally known as the Taklobos, is considered the largest among the seven known largest bivalve molluscs in the world. They measures up to 5 feet and weigh in over 260 kilograms. Serving as nursery for other marine life including small fishes and tiny crustaceans, the taklobos can live up to a century and are endemic in the shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
During the mid-80's, because of excessive hunting, pet and curio trade, the number of taklobos in the country have declined to an alarming rate. But through the initiative of Dr. Suzanne Mingoa-Licuanan, marine biologist from the University of the Philippines Marine Sciences Institute (UPMSI), efforts to restore the taklobos has been taking place in more than 50 sites all over the country, supported by both the local government units and private organizations.
The reseeding of giant clams also helps in reviving the marine resources because of the abundance of fishes, soft corals, seaweeds, snails and lobsters in areas where there are giant clams. Apart from providing hiding place for the marine creatures, they also give parts of their body as food for the fishes.
“Giant clams serve as nurseries for marine organisms. They photosynthesize; you don't have to feed them. They clean the waters, they beautify the place. In its entirety, it's all good.” said Dr. Licuanan.
As part of their effort to promote eco-tourism and preserve the natural setting of their properties, SM Investments Corporation, led by its executive vice president Jess Lucas and Treasurer Elizabeth Sy, joined hands with World Wide Fund for Nature - Philippines and UPMSI in providing a home for the taklobos in the Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu Batangas, SMIC's first coastal resort community.
One hundred giant clams were brought in from Bolinao, Pamapanga for reseeding in the “clam garden” an 80 meter site off the shore of Pico de Loro, to become the new home for the taklobos.
“There are already a lot of fishes all around it,” said Lucas. “It's nice, its something to look forward to.” To ensure that the clams will be protected, they tapped the help of the Bantay Dagat, a group of local fishermen in Brangay Papaya, where the Pico de Loro Cove is located.
Giving Back to Nature
The clam reseeding is among the measures that SMIC is taking to bring back the life to Hamilo Coast which was damaged by over fishing years back.
“This project has been on-going for a while. This is part of our reef management program for the coastal areas of our properties here,” said Lucas. He added that they also involve the local community to promote an awareness that the conservation of the coastal will bring in benefits especially in the eco-tourism and livelihood for the locals.
WWF- Philippine president Dave Valdes, who, among his fellow divers, planted the clams in the 160-square metre site underwater, specifically reserved for the giant clams. Because of the weight of the giant clams, the process of reseeding has been difficult and delicate for the divers.
SMIC have also partnered with World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines for other environmental projects as well as for ensuring that Pico de Loro adheres to international environmental standards. In fact, some of the structures already built in Pico de Loro were designed to follow the trail of the trees located in the area, although the cutting down of the trees could not be entirely avoided.
“When you build roads, you have to cut down some trees but as a replacement we do replanting,” said Lucas, who also oversee the clam reseeding. “If we build houses here, it will be a low density development. We probably need to do some sacrifice, but we will do our best to (to preserve the natural resources).”
Eco-friendly Community
Nestled at the foot of Nasugbu's lush forests and sprawling coastline that extends to 32 kilometers, Hamilo Coast is one of SMIC's eco-tourism projects. Thirteen picturesque coves consists Hamilo Coast with diverse natural settings including rock formations, white sand strips, dense forestry and all thirteen coves provides a scenic view of the South China Sea.
Hamilo Coast is designed by Cadiz International, Manila and ML Design, Brisbane, to be a network of coastal resort communities that combines eco-tourism, residential and commercial area. It will also feature eco-adventure activities in collaboration with adventure experts Sandugo to ensure the safety and feasibility of their adventure features.
Pico de Loro, the first cove undergoing development since 2006 is 4-billion residential resort. Lucas said that they are looking to an approximately five years for fully development of the resort and hopes to open the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club by 2008. It will feature luxurious, world class amenities including coffee shops with al fresco dining areas, sundry shops, pools, and sports facilities. They are also planning to develop ferry services from SM Mall of Asia to cut the travel time from Manila to Batangas to two hours.
Pico de Loro consists of two low impact condominums, Jaca and Myna, the first of which have already sold 80% of its units by the end of September 2007. In addition to this, SMIC is also building The Boardwalk, featuring commercial and food outlets as well as an entertainment venue for guests and residents of Pico de Loro.
“In time, everybody will want this piece of paradise,” said Lucas. (taklobos photo courtesy of geiser-maclang)
