CEBU CITY – From the nesting site to the sea.

This was the success story of the 79 endangered green sea turtle hatchlings that safely reached the sea in Panglao, Bohol on Monday night, June 15.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas (DENR-7) said the successful emergence of the hatchlings happened just hours before the celebration of World Sea Turtle Day.

The DENR-7 said the hatchlings emerged from a nesting site in front of Henann Resort, an area that forms part of an active sea turtle nesting habitat extending towards the Libaong coastline.

The nest was first documented on April 25.

The hatchlings emerged after two months of incubation and successfully made their way to the sea under the supervision of the DENR-Panglao Island Protected Seascape (PIPS), the Panglao Island Restoration and Rehabilitation Program (PIRRP), and resort staff.

To ensure the turtles' safe passage, responders immediately implemented protective measures, including minimizing artificial lighting and maintaining a disturbance-free environment to support the hatchlings' natural movement towards the sea.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Wilson Henson credited the successful hatching to the strong collaboration among DENR personnel, conservation groups, private stakeholders, and the local community.

“This successful hatching event demonstrates the value of strong collaboration among DENR personnel, local conservation teams, private stakeholders, and the community,” Henson said.

DENR-7 officer-in-charge Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac said the emergence of the hatchlings served as a reminder of Bohol's rich natural heritage and urged residents and visitors to help protect marine wildlife and coastal habitats.

Keeping beaches clean, reducing pollution, and safeguarding marine ecosystems are vital to the survival of endangered species such as sea turtles, said Salac.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado commended the DENR-Centro Tagbilaran, PIPS, and PIRRP for facilitating the successful release of the hatchlings.

“We are serious about protecting our natural treasures, which is why we must continue our efforts to ensure that Bohol remains a safe haven for green sea turtles,” Aumentado said.