The Philippines is rich in flora and fauna, with some species considered endemic or can be found only in the country. These include the locally known taklobo (Tridacna gigas)—the largest bivalve mollusk in the world that can weigh over 250 kilograms and grow up to five feet. Despite its gigantic size and longevity (it can live up to a hundred years), however, this giant clam has become scarce. Declared extinct in the 1980s due to poaching, destructive fishing practices, and water pollution, the late National Scientist Dr. Edgardo Gomez, who is also a former Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) trustee, took broodstock of the taklobo from the Pacific Islands to breed at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) to sustain the species in the country.

Abad, R. L. (2021, June 20). Keeping giant clams to sustain PHL marine ecosystem. Business Mirror, p. A7.