BALANGA CITY (PIA) — A total of 336 olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle hatchlings were released into the sea during a ceremonial activity in Morong, Bataan, on February 23.
Organized by the Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association at Sitio Fuerte, Barangay Poblacion, the activity brought together government agencies, private partners, and the local community, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Provincial Government of Bataan, the municipal government of Morong, and Aboitiz Power’s GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.
“The people of Morong have shown that when communities take ownership of conservation, the impact is lasting. Protecting the pawikan is not only about preserving wildlife but also about safeguarding the ecological balance that sustains us all,” DENR Bagac Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Brenda Clemente said.
During the release, organizers ensured the hatchlings’ safety through careful handling and strict adherence to release protocols before guiding them to the shoreline.
The event also drew support from the Philippine National Police-Morong, Provincial Tourism Office, CARES Morong, the Barangay Council of Poblacion, and the Rural Health Unit of Morong, highlighting the importance of multi-sector collaboration in local conservation efforts.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo highlighted that the ceremonial release is more than a symbolic event, reflecting the strength of community and partner collaboration in protecting marine biodiversity.
“Each hatchling represents a step toward ensuring the survival of this endangered species, and we are proud to see communities and partners working together for conservation,” Pablo said.
The olive ridley is one of five marine turtle species found in Philippine waters. Some of its nesting sites in Luzon include Morong in Bataan, San Antonio in Zambales, and certain coastal areas of Aurora.
This initiative reflects the growing national effort to protect endangered marine wildlife through community engagement, sustained environmental education, and multi-sector partnerships, and shows how local action advances nationwide conservation goals. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
