PANABO CITY – The Adecor United Fisherfolk Organization (AdUFOr), known for managing the operations and tour guiding of the Taklobo Tours at the Giant Clam Sanctuary and Marine Reserve Park in the Island Garden City of Samal, has been recognized as a Biodiversity Leaf Awardee during the Global Biodiversity Conservation Conference (GBCC) held on October 1, 2025, at Malagos Garden Resort, Davao City.
The recognition cites AdUFOr’s contributions to promoting sustainable tourism and marine biodiversity conservation through its partnership with Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), the Local Government Unit of the Island Garden City of Samal (LGU-IGACOS), and Barangay Adecor. For years, AdUFOr’s tour guides have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, operating the Taklobo Tours, managing the sanctuary’s daily activities, and continuously advocating for giant clam conservation.
Their commitment has transformed the site into both an educational ecotourism destination and a sustainable source of livelihood for local fisherfolk. The award was received by AdUFOr President Edgar Balaba Claros and Business Manager Ga Emelio Salazar, representing the organization, accompanied by Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Project Leader from DNSC, who has been instrumental in advancing Taklobo conservation and education initiatives.
DNSC extends its gratitude to the GBCC convenors, Dr. Adela Hemelikova of Liberec Zoo, Dr. Cleto L. Nañola Jr. of UP Mindanao, and Dr. Jay C. Ybañez of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, for recognizing the collaborative conservation efforts of DNSC, LGU-IGACOS, BLGU-Adecor, and AdUFOr.
