Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS): A Haven for Pawikan
The Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape (MPLS) has gained recognition for its vital role as a nesting ground for sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan.” However, the population of these majestic creatures is under threat from several factors, including poaching, habitat destruction, illegal hunting, bycatch, and pollution. Despite these challenges, the MPLS Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) has been working tirelessly to protect these species, particularly the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), classified as Endangered, and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which is Critically Endangered according to DENR guidelines.
Since 2023, sightings of pawikan nesting in the area have been consistently recorded, especially along the shoreline of Barangay Tagnanan, where the sand conditions are ideal for egg laying. Local residents have been actively involved, reporting these sightings and supporting the conservation efforts led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
In response to the risk of seawater intrusion during high tide, the eggs have been carefully relocated to the designated Pawikan hatchery near the PAMO. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 267 eggs were successfully transferred to the hatchery, and in April 2025, a remarkable 123 out of 126 Hawksbill Sea Turtle eggs hatched, achieving an impressive 97.62% hatch rate after a 70-day incubation period. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the conservation measures in place, offering hope for the survival of these endangered sea turtles.
The efforts at MPLS, alongside the support of the local community, remain critical to ensuring the survival of these species. The success of the Hawksbill hatching serves as a testament to the importance of preserving our natural heritage and the role each individual plays in protecting these extraordinary creatures for generations to come.
Davao de Oro’s Project TRANSFORM: A Step Toward Environmental Sustainability
Meanwhile, Davao de Oro has embarked on an ambitious journey towards a more sustainable future with the launch of Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability Through Multistakeholder Engagement). This initiative, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to build resilient, environmentally sustainable communities in the province.
In a recent orientation held at Café Noventa in Nabunturan, key stakeholders including local government units (LGUs), people’s organizations (POs), academic institutions, private sectors, and regional DENR offices gathered to discuss the implementation of Project TRANSFORM, which will serve as the pilot project for Region XI. PENR Officer Rita Fe C. Gunn emphasized that climate change, disaster risks, and environmental issues can only be effectively tackled through genuine cooperation. She highlighted that Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo fully supports the project, having personally participated in the Project TRANSFORM Colloquium in Manila, where provinces shared their successful experiences.
For. Cyrian Anthony S. Durban, the Chief of Management Services Division of DENR-PENRO Davao de Oro, presented the lessons learned from other provinces like Bataan, Rizal, and Lanao del Norte, which have successfully implemented the project. These examples will serve as benchmarks for Davao de Oro as they move forward with the initiative.
The orientation concluded with a look at the envisioned timeline, which includes strategic planning workshops, a formal launch, and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) before full implementation begins.
Through Project TRANSFORM, DENR Davao de Oro is not only promoting environmental sustainability but also fostering a unified approach that empowers communities to become more adaptable to climate change, ensuring a greener, more resilient future for all.