Mapping our heritage, charting our future.
Follow Us:

USON

USON

CMPG

The Uson is a native crustacean, also known as Mud lobster,, commonly found in mangrove swamps and nipa areas in Jinalinan and Dionela, Pandan. It creates volcano-shaped burrows that play a crucial role in the mangrove ecosystem by aerating the soil and recycling nutrients, which supports plant and animal life. The uson resembles a small lobster with spiny features and varies in color from brown to greenish hues, making it distinct among crustaceans. Though its meat is not popular, it is sold in local markets and provides income for some communities. There is no official conservation status for the uson, ...
Read More

TATUS

CMPG

The tatus, also called the coconut crab, is a large native crustacean found mostly in the coastal forests of islands like Sibay and Sibolo in Caluya. It resembles a giant hermit crab with a hard shell up to 16 inches wide and can weigh up to 4 kg, showing colors from violet to orange-red. Locally, tatus is a prized delicacy, and its shells are sold as souvenirs, though harvesting is banned during mating months (August to September) to protect the species. The Tatusan Festival celebrates the crab’s cultural importance and promotes local pride and conservation awareness. Despite protections, threats like ...
Read More

AWIS

CMPG

The awis, or tibo-tibo, is a native brackish-water snail found in Ilaures, Bugasong, especially in muddy riverbanks called gibungan and coconut groves known as kaalu-an. It has a glossy black shell and appears mostly during the rainy season, when locals say it is nagabaras (as many as sand). Traditionally eaten as food and used in folk medicine, awis is cooked simply by boiling after removing the tail tip. In 2014, the Awisan Festival was established to celebrate the snail with contests and dances inspired by it. Despite habitat loss and pollution, community cleanups and the festival help protect awis and ...
Read More

KUDAY

CMPG

The Kuday, also known as the Brown Land Crab, is a native crustacean commonly found near estuaries and mangrove areas in select barangays of Belison, particularly during the rainy season. It thrives in habitats such as coastal forests, sandy and rocky beaches, and muddy mangrove ecosystems, where it digs burrows to stay moist and protected. This species is a notable ingredient in local dishes like ginata-an, sinigang, and ginisa, and is harvested using traditional techniques such as pamuswang (bamboo trapping) and tughong (flooding its burrow with mud). Locals particularly enjoy the aligue (crab fat) of the kuday, which is distinctively ...
Read More

PULANG PASAYAN

CMPG

Pulang pasayan is a rare crimson-colored freshwater shrimp endemic to the tidal pools of Tiniguiban and Hinlaran Islets of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. These shrimps are uniquely visible only during high tide and inhabit in anchialine pools. Local folklore regard the species as sacred, protected by superstitions that discourage locals from catching, consuming, or even pointing at the shrimp. This cultural reverence has played a vital role in preserving the species and its fragile ecosystem. The site has become a subject of scientific interest and a developing eco-tourism destination that benefits the local community. Conservation efforts are reinforced by traditional beliefs, ...
Read More

DARAG

CMPG

The Darag chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), also known as the native chicken of the Philippines, is a hardy, free-range bird known for its flavorful meat and cultural significance. Found in rural areas like Bingawan, Iloilo, it thrives in tropical climates and are commonly raised in backyard farms. Darag chickens play a key role in traditional Filipino cuisine like tinu-om, and are central in rituals such as panghimalay and padugo for blessings and protection. Despite its importance, the breed is endangered due to diseases, limited market demand, and the lack of ample land area for free-range farming. Groups like Panay Darag ...
Read More

DAPLAK

CMPG

Daplak also known as the Philippine Nightjar is a type of bird native to the Philippines and is commonly found in subtropical lowland forests, mangrove forests, and montane forests. It has a mix of mottled brown, gray, and black feathers that help it camouflage during daytime, and it has large heads with large eyes adapted for low-light vision for nocturnal hunting. The daplak primarily feed on flying insects which they catch in mid-air using their wide mouths and specialized bristles on their bills. They often hunt in open areas where insects are abundant and can often be sighted during their ...
Read More

ALIMANGO

CMPG

Alimango, the native mud crab, is highly valued for its taste, nutritional content, and economic importance. In Pontevedra, they are mainly found in ponds and rivers, these crabs have various classifications, each distinguished by weight, body fat characteristics, and belly shape. They are widely consumed during special occasions and are believed to possess medicinal properties. There are perceived superstitions surrounding the alimango, especially during times of mourning, as consuming seafood is believed to bring bad luck. The crab industry contributes significantly to Pontevedra's economy, albeit facing challenges like natural disasters. Conservation efforts include careful pond management to ensure sustainable crab ...
Read More