Giant Clam Conservation Versus Giant Politicians!

By: Abner Bucol

One of the major keys in any resource conservation program, not just in the Philippines, but most probably around the world is the direct involvement of politicians (or simply leaders). Obviously, they are respected (if not feared) by their constituents.

Giant clam in the ocean nursery, Sitio Kibila,Cantaan, Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

One of the very few successful community-based conservation projects that I am aware of is the Giant Clam Conservation Project in Sitio Kibila, Guinsiliban, in the island province of Camiguin. The project started from a very humble beginning, as an initiative of a fisherman and a public servant, the former municipal councilor of Guinsiliban and the current Barangay Chairman of Cantaan Hon. Rolando R. Cordero in the early 90s as a Giant Clam Showcase. Because of this initiative, Cordero was awarded Outstanding Capture Fisherman by the “GAWAD SAKA” of the Department of Agriculture. The awarding was held in the Malacañan Palace on May 27, 1994 during the time of President Fidel V. Ramos.     

Hon. Rolando Cordero receiving the GAWAD SAKA Award (1994) at the Malacañan Palace with Former Pres.                                    Fidel V. Ramos and DA Officials for his initiative to conserve giant clams. Photo courtesy of Cantaan Centennial Multi-purpose Cooperative (CCMPC)

Since then, several agencies flocked to Kibila to help in so many ways, from providing funds, livelihood projects, but in my own opinion to ride on what Rolando Cordero had already established. A “ready-made” (human daan in Cebuano dialect) showcase, perfect for any institution and even any politician as well.

Mixed juveniles of giant clam species reared in tanks

As of this writing, the project can boast the magnificent and beautiful giant clams (belonging to Family Tridacnidae), including the rare and endangered Tridacna gigas (also known as the True-Giant Clam). The parental stock of this species is now producing juveniles, a strong indication of success! In addition, giant clam viewing in the ocean nursery also provides income (or simply jobs) to the members of the cooperative who serve as local guides.  

The Giant Clam Tridacna gigas in the laboratory of CCMPC

According to Alona Cordero, the chairman of the local cooperative managing the project, the major threat and hindrance of the giant clam project is also a politician who wanted to claim the entire area awarded to the cooperative. It is a great sacrifice for Alona, who is suffering a congenital heart disease to duel with such great problems for the sake of the community and the environment.  

How could this politician (and his allies) simply claim the fruit of anybody’s hardwork? He is indeed a Giant Claimant worthy to be crashed by a Giant Clam!

I think this problem of political harassment on community-managed conservation projects is a wide-spread disease in the Philippines. Unless this problem is solved, we will solve no other! Now, the challenge for the community and voters of Camiguin is either to let a Giant Politician to exit or to let the Giant Clams go extinct!