Growth Factors of Caulerpa Lentillifera” lato” Communities in Pasihagon and Cang-

alwang, Siquijor, Central Visayas

by:

Michelle C. Maghanoy- Dagohoy

Grace B. Patagoc - Dongon
Meljhoven Louis L. Looc

Introduction

Cualerpa lentillifera is an edible green algae that is widely consumed in salads in Japan, Fiji,

Thailand, and the Philippines. It is rich in fiber, proteins, minerals such as calcium and

magnesium, folic acid, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B1 and is also low in fats. It

grows mostly in shallow waters of tropical seas, thus making it possible for Central Visayas

to be the home of the 14 out of 53 taxa of Caulerpa[1].

Pasihagon has been popular for its supply of lato (Caulerpa lentillifera) not only in the

Province of Siquijor but to the island’s neighboring places such as Dumaguete City and

Bohol Island. In fact, according to a verbal interview of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources, Pasihagon lato collectors deliver approximately 30 kilograms of lato to

Dumaguete City every day, thus, making lato collection as the second income generating

activity of the Pasihagon settlers. However, according to recent studies, the biomass index of

lato from Pasihagon has decreased compared to its usual biomass index[2].Moreover, it has

been also noted that during the months of November- April, Caulerpa lentillifera stops

growing in Pasihagon and grows in its neighboring barangay which is Cang- alwang and

grows back in Pasihagon during dry seasons which is May- October. Further verbal interview
of the lato collectors and barangay officials of Pasihagon revealed that there is neither

existing law nor barangay ordinance on the regulation of the collection of lato, hence,

anybody can collect without restrictions.

With the present scenario of the lato growth and collection in Pasihagon, the researchers were

then challenged to conduct an assessment and analysis of the growth factors of Caulerpa

lentillifera to provide a sound experimental data that will serve as a solid platform for a

possible barangay ordinance or provincial order on the regulation of lato collection, to

conduct lato culture in Pasihagon to sustain production, and lastly, to introduce alternative

seaweeds variety during non- spawning season of lato in Pasihagon.

Statement of the Problem

This research aims to determine, analyze, and assess the factors affecting the growth of

Caulerpa lentillifera in Pasihagon, Siquijor, Central Visayas. Specifically, it wants to:

1. Determine, analyze, and assess the physico- chemical parameters of Pasihagon salt

water,

2. Determine, analyze, and assess the physico- chemical parameters of Cang- alwang

salt water,

3. Compare the physico- chemical parameters of Pasihagon and Cang- alwang salt

waters during dry and wet seasons,

4. Introduce lato culture to Pasihagon fisher folks in collaboration with BFAR (Bureau

of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,

 5. Introduce alternative seaweed variety culture to Pasihagon fisher folks during non-

spawning season of lato in collaboration with BFAR, and

6. Provide a solid experimental data to DENR, BFAR, and Pasihagon settlers as

platform for a possible barangay ordinance or provincial order on the regulation of

lato collection.

Scope and Limitation

This research focuses on the determination, analysis, and assessment of the growth factors of

Caulerpa lentillifera in Pasihagon, Siquijor, Central Visayas. Furthermore, let us note that

this research only intends to compare the physico- chemical parameters of Pasihagon salt

water and Cang- alwang salt water to verify the claim of the Pasihagon settlers that lato

grows only in there place during dry season and grows in Cang- alwang during wet season.

Moreover, the classification of lato as Caulerpa lentillifera is based on previous studies

conducted by Marine Biologists from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), hence,

classification of lato will not be anymore shown. Note that the duration of the study will only

cover the wet (November- April) and dry (May- October) season.
Research Area

Figure 1. Location of Pasihagon and Cang- alwang, Siquijor, Siquijor

Methodology

Water Sampling and Preservation

Water samples for all the physico-chemical analysis will be collected on monthly

schedule from each of the study area at sub-surface level, using 250 ml sampling

bottles and transported in ice chest to the laboratory for analysis. Water samples will

be taken on the same day and at the same sampling points for ease of reference. Water

samples will be collected into 250 ml high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic vials

pre-treated with 4M HNO3 and properly rinsed with de-ionized water followed by

doubly distilled water before use. Samples handling and preservation will be done in

accordance with standard method [3]

 Physical and Chemical Analysis

Some physical parameter measurements of the water samples will be done on the field

with standard, calibrated portable meters and instruments. The temperature, turbidity

and conductivity of the water samples will be measured with standard mercury-in-

glass thermometer, while pH, Salinity and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) will be

determined using the Hanna multi-parameter kit (Model Hi9828). However, the

hardness was determined in the laboratory using methods prescribed by APHA [4]

Data Analysis

Data obtained from physical and chemical measurements will be statistically analyzed

for variance using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 16.0

and will be tested at a level (P<0.05) for significance.

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