A whale of a tale

For millennia the gentle giant whale shark (Rhincodon typus) has been cruising Philippine waters, making Donsol, Sorsogon, at the southernmost tip of Luzon, a favorite pit stop.

There in the placid waters of the coastal town, the fish (called butanding) fills up on its favorite treat, microscopic planktons invisible to the naked human eye.

But in the past such indulgence was not without risk. Boatmen churned through the sharks causing serious injury; fishermen mindlessly caught them in their nets and people turned an encounter with the butanding into a sport.

In 1998, a purposive and organized program to protect the large fish was launched, spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines). Since then, a multisectoral group involving WWF, local government and the private sector has been taking steps to plant and nurture the seed that will keep the fish a regular visitor for millennia more.

Donsol’s kids have been receiving instruction on the need to protect the whale shark, the first part of whose name comes from its being almost as big as a whale. It is hoped that what they learn now will not only protect the whale shark during their lifetime but for generations to come.

After more than 10 years of conservation efforts, it seems that the children of Donsol have pretty much taken to heart the lessons on why they not only have to enjoy the butanding but protect it and conserve its habitat as well.

Planting the seed

In a session on “Seeds for the Future,” the new WWF conservation information/education program, at the Donsol East Elementary School among Grades 3-6 pupils, the children showed they knew their No. 1 attraction well.

Shown just a part of its body by WWF trainors, the kids identified the fish without hesitation, their voices firm and sure, giving their answer in unison, as if on cue.

They also declared with confidence, without help from anyone, that it was a fish, something first-time visitors were only finding out for themselves.

Principal Lani Lopez Perez was pleased about her students’ knowledge. “They should know because they live in Donsol,” she declared.

She said lessons on butanding conservation were integrated into Mapeh (music, arts, physical education and health).

Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, WWF-Philippines vice chairman and chief executive officer, said that although the butanding was in Donsol waters for only six months, the benefits it brought to the community were enormous, boosting existing businesses and bringing in new ones, an observation shared by Nits Gloria, municipal tourism officer.

Fisherman Joel Briones, a BIO [butanding interaction officer], said he had been able to buy more boats since the ecotourism program was launched.

For the town of Donsol, brisk business resulting from the visit of its annual guest has meant new classrooms and other amenities for schools.

Parents, whose lives have improved because of the annual butanding visit, have made sure their children know which side their bread is buttered.

Enjoy but don’t destroy

The WWF, working with the local government of Donsol and other stakeholders, initiated the ecotourism project that allows humans to enjoy nature without destroying it, a model for similar planned initiatives.

Donsol Vice Mayor Emeterio Belmonte Jr. said the local government approved uniform rates and fees so there would be no unfair competition that could adversely affect the program.

Recently, the whale shark conservation coalition was strengthened with the participation of Banco de Oro (BDO), which helps fund certain activities, like the continuing education/information sessions with schoolchildren.

Between March and August 2011, BDO automated teller machines were programmed to enable bank account holders to donate P5 every time they made a withdrawal.

Ed S. Reyes, ATM operations department head, TBG Retail Channels management-ATM, said the convenience was only available to BDO ATM cardholders.

Every time they withdrew cash from an ATM, a new screen was displayed after the transaction was completed asking the client if he/she wished to make a donation.

Reyes said an estimated P4 million was generated through the campaign, with about P2 million going to the butanding project.

The butanding is a bona fide member of the shark family although not carnivorous.

As with most things in nature, the butanding’s seasonal trips to Donsol are driven by a very primal instinct. It goes where plankton is most plentiful. And Donsol, in the first half of the year, teems with the tiny creatures.

The need to keep the butanding welcome in Donsol waters has brought attention to other ecological targets.

Environmentalists realized that the lush mangrove forests allowed the plankton to flourish. A mangrove reforestation became a complementary side project, which had another beneficial result.

Thousands of fireflies that light up Donsol and another river on dark, moonless nights have also been assured of their habitat.