GLAN, Sarangani Province – At the break of dawn on June 6, a heartwarming scene unfolded along the shores of Barangay Baliton as 85 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings made their way to the open waters of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), guided by the golden morning light and the gentle waves of their marine home.
The event was made possible through the prompt action of Melvin Roy Wong, owner of Wong 3A’s Beach Resort, who immediately reported the emergence of the hatchlings. His vigilance allowed for the swift coordination of a safe release operation led by protected area ranger Jan Harry Tumulak. The moment was also witnessed and supported by the Sarangani Maritime Police and the Coast Guard Station Eastern Sarangani.
The Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), one of the smallest species of sea turtles, is classified as “threatened” under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2019-09. Protected under Republic Act No. 9147, also known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the species faces a myriad of threats including habitat destruction, pollution, accidental capture in fishing gear (bycatch), and the growing impacts of climate change.
For residents and visitors of Baliton, witnessing the hatchlings crawl across the sand toward the sea was not just a rare and moving sight—it was a reminder of nature’s fragile beauty and the importance of collective action to preserve it.
The DENR has reiterated its call to coastal communities and stakeholders to continue reporting sightings and nesting activities. Protecting known nesting sites and minimizing disturbances, officials say, are vital steps in the long-term preservation of marine biodiversity in Sarangani Bay.
As the last hatchling slipped into the sea, hopes ran high that these tiny travelers would one day return to the very beach where they began their journey—a quiet testament to what community vigilance and environmental stewardship can achieve.