GLAN, Sarangani / KALAMANSIG, Sultan Kudarat — April 2025 — In a show of growing commitment to marine wildlife conservation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (DENR-CENRO) in Glan and Kalamansig successfully released a total of 107 sea turtles—including hatchlings and a rescued juvenile—back into their natural habitats during separate activities held on April 2 and 3.
On April 3, the DENR-CENRO Glan released 83 newly-emerged olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings along the shores of Barangay Cablalan, Glan, Sarangani Province. Their emergence was reported by Bantay Dagat volunteers Fernando Gampamole and Mohammad D. Bocaisa, which enabled a swift response and facilitated the safe release of the marine turtles.
The release was carried out in collaboration with local Bantay Dagat volunteers and a protected area (PA) ranger. Personnel from the Sarangani Maritime Police Station, staff of Serenity Beach Resort, and community members also witnessed and supported the activity. An information drive was held alongside the release to educate the public on the ecological importance of sea turtles, particularly the concepts of natal homing and imprinting. Proper handling and transfer of turtle eggs were also discussed to boost hatching success rates.
Meanwhile, on April 2, CENRO Kalamansig released a critically endangered juvenile hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat. Measuring 9.8 cm in curved carapace length and 8.3 cm in width, the turtle was turned over by the Philippine National Police Maritime Group after it was found and showed no signs of injury. It was released back into the sea at around 4 PM the same day.
Earlier that day, CENRO Kalamansig also released 24 olive ridley hatchlings in the coastal area of Purok Sugpo, Barangay Tibpuan in Lebak town, following a report from the Philippine Coast Guard. An information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign was conducted to raise awareness among community members and uniformed personnel on sea turtle conservation.
Both the olive ridley and hawksbill sea turtles are protected under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. The olive ridley is listed as a threatened species under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, while the hawksbill is categorized as critically endangered.
These coordinated efforts not only highlight the importance of community vigilance and multi-sectoral collaboration but also underscore the vital role of public education in marine wildlife protection.