KALAMANSIG, Sultan Kudarat – In a quiet but heartwarming scene along the shores of Barangay Sta. Maria, 29 newly hatched Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) made their first journey into the sea on May 27, cheered on by local children, environment officers, and community volunteers.
This significant conservation event was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kalamansig, in partnership with the Municipal Agricultural Services Office – Fisheries Division, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), and the Philippine Maritime Police.
The hatchlings, locally known as pawikan, were discovered early morning by local fisheries personnel. Upon receiving the report, CENRO personnel quickly arrived to assess the hatchlings before their release later that afternoon. Among them was the smallest hatchling, affectionately named “Bunso” by local children, which measured just 2.94 cm in curved carapace length (CCL) and 3.01 cm in curved carapace width (CCW). The largest, by contrast, measured 4.19 cm (CCL) and 3.84 cm (CCW), showing the natural diversity even within the same nest.
Before the pawikan were set free, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) session was conducted to raise awareness about the critical role sea turtles play in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. The activity also emphasized the protection of all marine turtle species under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Marine turtles such as the Olive Ridley are considered vulnerable due to threats like coastal development, pollution, and illegal poaching. Yet, events like this offer a beacon of hope. According to DENR-CENRO Kalamansig, such efforts are part of their continuing campaign to protect coastal biodiversity and engage communities in environmental stewardship.
The release not only symbolized a return to nature but also underscored the power of collaboration in conservation—from government agencies to local communities, each playing a vital role in ensuring that these ancient mariners continue to grace the oceans for generations to come.