KALAMANSIG, Sultan Kudarat – In a significant step toward marine conservation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) of Kalamansig recently released 19 endangered olive ridley sea turtle (𝘓𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘺𝘴 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢) hatchlings into the sea along Brgy. Sta. Maria on March 27, 2025.
Barangay officials and ‘bantay dagat’ members reported that the hatchlings emerged at the newly established pawikan hatchery in Sitio Poral at approximately 10:15 A.M. Experts advised releasing the hatchlings at dawn or dusk to enhance their chances of survival by reducing predation risks. The initiative was accompanied by an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign underscoring the ecological benefits of marine turtle conservation. Under Republic Act No. 9147, marine turtles are protected species, but studies show that only one percent of hatchlings reach adulthood due to predation and human activities.
Meanwhile, in an effort to strengthen the protection of marine biodiversity, the DENR-CENRO Kalamansig, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and the academe, spearheaded a four-day workshop focused on securing sustainable financing for the town’s Marine Protected Area Network (MPAN). Organized by the Kalamansig Marine Protected Area Network (KMPAN), the workshop aimed to develop a comprehensive strategy to address persistent financial constraints that have hindered conservation efforts over the past four years.
Participants engaged in crafting project proposals and improving their business and financial planning skills. Key strategies identified in the draft Sustainable Financing Strategy Plan include implementing user fees for eco-tourism, forging partnerships with local businesses, securing government and environmental program funding, exploring revenue-sharing models, establishing community conservation funds, and introducing various service fees.
The technical working group and the council emphasized the need for prompt discussions on the legal framework and policies supporting these initiatives. Once finalized, the plan will be submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan for legislative consideration, ensuring a more stable and effective approach to marine conservation in Kalamansig.