The Diwal, also called angel wing clam, is a native marine bivalve found mainly in the coastal barangays of Roxas City, Capiz, living in muddy or sandy river mouths. It has a thin, oval shell with ridges and plates, and is recognized for its sweet, tender meat, often grilled or steamed with local spices. Harvesting happens mostly from July to September, done by authorized divers, Roxas City Divers Association (ROCDA), who follow a system that benefits the community and barangays. Diwal supports the local economy by providing income for fishermen, vendors, and restaurants, while also strengthening community ties through cooperative practices. However, the diwal population has dropped recently due to overharvesting, habitat damage, and pollution, leading to a harvest ban in the last two years. Conservation efforts include strict regulations on who can harvest, use of registered boats, and a closed season from October to June to help the species recover.
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Photo Credit/s:
Ronald A. Almanon, 2024
Mappers:
Ronald A. Almanon
Tags:
Angel wing clam, Closed season fishing, Coastal bivalves Philippines, Coastal pollution Capiz, Diwal Capiz, Diwal conservation, Diwal fishing community, Diwal harvesting, Diwal population recovery, Fishermen cooperative, Harvest ban Capiz, Local seafood delicacy, Local seafood traditions, Marine biodiversity Roxas, Marine habitat protection, Overharvesting impact, Pholas orientalis, Registered boat fishing, Roxas City seafood, Seafood economy Roxas, Seafood regulations Philippines, Seafood vendors Capiz, Sustainable seafood Capiz, Sweet clam meat
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