Cadiz City is adopting a management plan to further conserve and protect the Giant Clam Village adjacent to the famous resort island of Lakawon in northern Negros Occidental.

Popularly known as GC Ville, it is home to at least 2,941 giant clams, considered an endangered species, data on Wednesday showed.

In an interview, Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said the ordinance passed by the City Council, establishing the Giant Clam Village Protected Area (GCVPA), underscores the city’s commitment to the conservation and protection of its marine resources.

“A management board has been created to manage the operations and professionalize the system to protect the area. Protocols will be set for visitors,” he said.

During its second meeting last week, the board finalized the GCVPA Management Plan for 2025-2029, representing a major advancement in sustainable marine conservation and reaffirms the dedication of Cadiz City to preserve its diverse marine ecosystem.”

The GC Ville is the city’s success story on marine care that began during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in 2020.

It started with three giant clams found by then resort employee Hereliza “Yhen” Osorio in one of her outings in 2019.

She took care of the mollusks and when the resort had to close down due to the global health crisis, she decided to return home to Sara, Iloilo.

But before she could leave, Osorio approached the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCAg), which saw the importance of preserving the giant clams and rehabilitating the marine area.

The OCAg decided to take in the giant clams and asked Osorio to be the caretaker.

She stayed on the island, and with her love and passion to conserve and protect the giant clams, the GC Ville came to life.

To date, Osorio and her team visit or dive into the GC Ville almost every day to monitor the status of the giant clams and their offsprings.

“I’m overwhelmed, knowing that there is a now a law that will ensure the protection of the giant clams. More people will know that these marine creatures need to be protected. I’m thankful to the city officials and personnel who supported the creation of the management board,” Osorio said. (PNA)