Jetti Petroleum Inc., a 100-percent Filipino-owned independent oil company committed to providing affordable, accessible, top-quality fuel to power industries and communities, recently kicked off the restocking activity of its Taclobo Conservation program, along with the Bohol Environment Management Office and the community of Sta. Filomena, Alburquerque, Bohol.
The restocking program involved placing 100 juvenile taclobo (giant clams) 65 meters offshore in enclosed protective netted cages. The community of Sta. Filomena will help ensure the protection of this sanctuary against poachers and, together with representatives of BEMO, will monitor the growth and care of these giant clams.
The Tridacna giga giant clam species was once abundant in the Pacific waters of the Coral Triangle, including the Philippines. Due to their impressive appearance, decorative value, and meat, their numbers have since greatly been reduced. They are now listed in Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna and classified as vulnerable on the International Union of Nature's Red List.
The Philippines once recorded a Tridacna giga clam that measured 136.9cm (4.49 feet) in length and weighed more than 400 lbs. These giant clams inhabit clear, unpolluted, and shallow coral reef waters and are important to the reef ecosystem. They have the ability to counteract excessive algal growth by filtering the algae off the water, allowing for a healthier ocean reef ecosystem by helping filter ocean waters, recycle nutrients, and provide food for small organisms. The scales of its shells help form coral reef structures.
"Conservation of one of our natural national treasures remains at the heart of our advocacy, especially if it helps empower local communities to take part," said Virgilio Montinola, Jetti's Corporate Communications Manager, who led the restocking program launch attended by Alburqurque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, Sta. Filomena Barangay Captain Ranulfo Bitoy, PO Chairman of Sta. Filomena Abundio Manugas, BEMO CRM Division head Ma. Villa Pelendingue, and EnP OIC Jovencia B. Ganub, together with Jetti, BEMO, and other Alburquerque community representatives.