SARIAYA, Quezon – Three-hundred thirty-two olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released back to the sea here by the Bantay Dagat on Jan. 9 and 10.
Jay Lim of Tanggol Kalikasan (TK) said Sherwin Rosales, a staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), reported that they were released in Sitio Silangan, Barangay Guis-guis Talon.
Bantay Dagat members Arnold Carandang, Edwin Frias, and Virginia Remolin initiated the release in the presence of Nelia Oribe, Sariaya MAO chief.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Tayabas personnel Ianoh Yara, Nerolyn Moreno-Nova, Mernilo de Mesa, Anna Segui, Pauline Salivia, Rosalie Salvan, Kristian Rodrigo Yara, and Hanilyn Yara were present to provide assistance for the proper handling and protection of the turtles.
Residents cared for the turtles until they can be released to the sea. Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta provided financial assistance to the caretakers and residents installed nets in areas where the eggs were laid to protect them.