Nearly 100 hatchlings of the Olive Ridley sea turtle, known locally as “pawikan,” were released on Wednesday, Feb. 10 in Glan, Sarangani Bay.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Community Environment and Natural Resources (DENR – CENR) officer Abdul Cariga said former sea patrol Ismael Dante reported the emergence of the sea turtle hatchlings.
Cariga said 94 pawikan hatchlings were released by the personnel of CENRO in Glan, Sarangani in coordination with the representatives of local government unit (LGU).
During the event, a brief information drive on the importance of marine life was conducted to raise the community’s awareness towards a balanced ecosystem.
The DENR underscored that all wildlife species in the Philippines are protected under the Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.