PANABO CITY — Davao del Norte State College, through its Marine Biodiversity Research and Conservation Center, hosted a delegation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XII on October 11–12, 2026, for a two-day experiential learning and benchmarking activity on giant clam conservation.
The activity convened DNSC administrators, faculty members, and staff, along with DENR XII OIC Regional Executive Director Maria Elvira V. Lumayag; Sarangani Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Joy C. Oloquin; Protected Area Superintendent Cirilo A. Lagnason Jr.; Panabo City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nicer T. Sayon; Davao del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Alberto N. Bandiola; and other personnel.
On the first day, the delegation, accompanied by Marine Reserve Park (MRP) Head Xavier N. Lopez and staff, visited Taklobo Tours to observe DNSC’s giant clam conservation initiatives firsthand. The visit showcased how marine biodiversity protection, environmental education, and sustainable ecotourism can work together to support marine conservation and community participation.
On the second day, DNSC faculty members presented the College’s conservation practices through three sessions: Livelihood Opportunities through Taklobo Tours by Anselmo G. Anobong Jr.; Biology and Status of Giant Clams by Rezelle B. Sobradil; and Giant Clam Stock Enhancement through Hatchery Operations, Ocean Nursery Management, and Restocking Initiatives by Brian G. Albert.
In her opening message, DNSC President Joy M. Sorrosa talked about the importance of sharing knowledge and best practices, “While we celebrate the accomplishments of the Taklobo Tour project, we firmly believe that conservation efforts become even more meaningful when knowledge, experiences, and best practices are shared. We do not want the successes and lessons learned from this initiative to remain solely within DNSC.”
President Sorrosa also recognized the contributions of local government units (LGUs), barangays, fisherfolk organizations, and partner agencies in sustaining Taklobo Tours, a collaborative effort reflected in the participation of PENRO and CENRO officials during the activity.
DENR’s Cirilo A. Lagnason Jr., Protected Area Superintendent V, identified giant clam propagation, hatchery techniques, ocean nursery management, and restocking protocols as key areas for benchmarking. He explained that the exchange would help the DENR delegation identify practices applicable to the operations of the Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in Anabel, Sarangani Province, and inform future marine research in the region.
In his inspirational message, DNSC Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, Dr. Eliseo F. Huesca Jr., supported the group’s drive for collaboration, “Today, true development is no longer measured solely by who possesses the most knowledge, but by building the most meaningful networks, partnerships, and collaborations. We gathered not just to share insights, but to create solutions. Solutions that are scientifically grounded, community-relevant, and driven by a shared vision for sustainable progress.”
In his closing remarks, Giant Clams Conservation Project Leader, Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, mentioned the importance of functional marine protected areas and sustained partnerships in maintaining healthy giant clam populations.
“We salute and thank DENR for initiating this partnership with DNSC for giant clam conservation… 2026 is the year of DNSC for DENR partnership. So, we look forward to the partnership in Sarangani,” Dr. Gumanao added.
The benchmarking activity followed a virtual meeting between DNSC and DENR Region XII on August 19, 2026, and supports the implementation of the MSRS Research Agenda. The exchange of technical knowledge and field experiences is expected to inform future conservation research, capacity-building programs, and community-based initiatives within the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.
In her feedback, Dir. Lumayag expressed appreciation for the host institution, “I want to thank DNSC and its officials. We are here because we want to get knowledge. I know our endeavor will really need preparation and support from LGU and other stakeholders. What we observed yesterday (touring the Giant Clam Sanctuary), is that if the project is done right, it is successful. And if it’s successful, there’s community acceptance.”
