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 Ms.
Earth Clam Seeding
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Ms. Earth - Dive & Trek
Giant
Clam Seeding
October 18, 2003 |
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My
Home, Dive and Trek.
This is the theme of this year's clam seeding which has been
gathering momentum for the 2nd straight year.
Taking cognizance of the importance of this project, the
Miss Earth International Beauty Pageant adopted this event to highlight their care for the
environment.
 Twenty two (22) contestants from all over the world joined
more than a hundred fifty volunteers who planted fifty (50)
mature giant clams in the Marine sanctuary. Banking on
experience gained from previous seedings, a high survival
rate of 98% was achieved with only one mortality.
The event was covered by MTV - Asia and Ch. 4's
Unlimited Diving. Portions of the clam seeding were also
shown in the Miss Earth Pageant 2003 contest broadcast
nationwide in Ch.
2 and across Asia on Star TV.
Visit the photo gallery of the Miss Earth website
or click on the links below for more
pictures
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Transport and Arrival (1,
2,
3)
The clams were picked at the UP-Marine Science Institute
(UP-MSI) laboratory at Bolinao, Pangasinan 3 days prior to
the seeding. Arriving at the resort at 2AM on Oct. 15, the
clams were placed in the marine pool to acclimatize them
after their 10 hour trip. The head for research of the
Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Frank
Santos, was there to check on their condition.
Volunteers started
arriving as early as one day prior to the event. The Miss
Earth candidates, escorted by
Pugad Lawin
QC and the police, arrived on the same day using a Tourist
Bus and then outrigger boats, both provided by the Municipality of Bauan, Batangas.
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Briefing (1,
2)
UP-MSI's Mark Dimzon,
gives a Powerpoint presentation to the volunteers regarding
the giant clams.
Afterwards, the Miss Earth candidates also gave a few words
on what they are doing for the environment.
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Seeding
(1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6)
The clam seeding started
in earnest soon after lunchtime with everyone contributing
their effort in any way
they can. The coordination between the divers and
non-divers, between
the local volunteers
and the international guests, were so seamless to the point
that it all seemed rehearsed.
Ten Miss Earth
candidates even took quick Scuba lessons so that they can
participate underwater too!
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Time out (1,
2,
3,
4,
5)
At Dive & Trek , helping the environment does not have to be a serious
endeavor specially with so many beautiful women around.
Meeting new friends,
sharing stories and jokes, as well as having a great time
are the things you can always expect when you
volunteer.
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Awards
and Recognition (1,
2,
3)
With all the work and support provided by the
volunteers, guests, sponsors, the barangay, and the
municipal government of Bauan, awards and recognitions were
the given as appreciation for those who helped make this
event a success for mother earth.
The
major sponsors of this event were BPI Edge, Smart Addict,
Joey 92.3, San Miguel Light, Wallenius Lines, and the municipality of Bauan, Batangas
headed by Mayor Dolor. |
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Party Time (1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8)
After the awards, celebrations ensued with a live band and
free flowing food and drinks well into the night. |
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