Located at the northernmost tip of the province of Cagayan, the municipality of Aparri poised as the place where the river meets the sea boasts of rich fishing grounds that makes the town home to various marine and aquatic resources.

Hemmed with a long stretch of black sandy coastline, this feature makes it perfect for the growth of bivalves or sea shells like the ”bean clam” or commonly known as “Gakka”in Cagayan. 

Getting to know the “Gakka”

The “Gakka” as we all know belong to the Donax species which are small, fast-burrowing bivalves commonly known as “bean clams“ due to their small, oval-shaped shells. These species belong to the family Donacidae and are found in sandy beaches, especially in coastal regions. Their biology and distribution are interesting from both ecological and economic perspectives. 

The “Gakka”are typically found in intertidal zones (the region between the high and low tide marks) and are adapted to life buried in the sand. They filter feed on plankton, detritus, and organic matter carried by the water. The shells of Donax species are usually oval or elliptical in shape. They are often brightly colored, with patterns ranging from white to various shades of brown or purple. The “Gakka” are typically small, with adult individuals measuring around 2–5 cm in length, although this can vary depending on the species.

They are filter feeders, siphoning water through their gills and filtering out plankton and organic matter. They have a strong foot that allows them to bury quickly in the sand to avoid predators.

Most Donax species have a broadcast spawning reproductive strategy, where they release sperm and eggs into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. This can lead to large numbers of offspring in a short period, ensuring species survival in fluctuating environments. Donax species generally have a short life span, living up to about 2–4 years.

Donax species are vital to the ecosystems they inhabit. As filter feeders, they help maintain water quality by removing organic particles from the water column. Furthermore, they provide food for various predators, such as birds, fish, and mollusks.

They prefer soft, sandy substrates that are not heavily disturbed by strong currents. Typically, they are found in shallow coastal waters, especially along beaches with moderate wave action.

The Philippines, with its extensive coastline like in Aparri, is an ideal habitat for many species of Donax. The archipelago has diverse marine ecosystems, ranging from shallow coastal waters to muddy and sandy beaches that support Donax populations.

The bean clam can be found along the western and eastern coastal regions of the Philippines, from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao. They are abundant in shallow waters of sandy beaches, particularly in regions that experience moderate to high wave action, which ensures that the clams can filter feed efficiently. 

In Cagayan province, the “Gakka”can be found in the shallow shores of Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug and Buguey, only they vary in sizes. 

In these areas, the “Gakka” are important for the local fishing economy and coastal ecosystem health. They support marine food webs and contribute to the overall biodiversity of sandy beach environments.

In Aparri, Cagayan, Marilyn Sinom, 45, of barangay Dodan,“Gakka”vendor for four years usually sells “Gakka” in the public market at Php 20 of one shot glass full (purple colored) “Gakka” and the white one for Php 30 (two inches tall shot glass). On regular days, she can earn about Php 700 in a half day of the half full size of pail (recycled biscuit container). 

Mang Celso, 47, of barangay Paddaya has been gathering “Gakka”for decades and said that usually he goes out in the morning until noon during low tide. Armed with a hand dredge or “Tako” (scoop) made from a wooden pole for handle and a custom designed basket (wire or steel formed into a basket to scoop the bean clams), his day would begin by wading into waist-deep water scraping the long stretch of the seashore just to gather “Gakka” braving the scorching heat of the sun and earn for a living. 

Enjoying the “Gakka”

Before cooking the “Gakka”, it is soaked in freshwater overnight to allow leftover sand to be excreted, then the following day, the “gakka” is cooked by boiling it for about 4-5 minutes to prevent the shells from opening. After draining, a pinch of salt is added to the cooked “Gakka”.

Enjoying the “Gakka” is an art in itself and a pastime as well, just like eating boiled peanuts while waiting for something or engrossed with your favorite movie! An expert in “Kutim” uses skill by opening it through the teeth, then a soft and salty flavorful “flesh” bursts into your tongue!   

For those whose childhood was spent in Aparri or in the coastal areas, eating “Gakka” was even made as a sport by competing who finishes first in opening the bean clam the “kutim”way! Yelrish, 17 year-old Grade 11 student of Gattaran said that whenever they go to Aparri, they won’t miss buying the “Gakka”, she even muses that she can “kutim”a Php 100 peso-worth “gakka”in just one sitting alone! 

Like the people of Aparri and those who appreciate in enjoying the “gakka” its sustainability is crucial not just for the ecosystem but for the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on it.