CAPIZ – For the second time, another batch of sea turtle hatchlings were released to the sea in Barangay Navitas, Panay, Capiz on Feb. 7.
According to Atty. Abeb Arboleda-Depon, Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), 106 Olive Ridley hatchlings out of the 127 eggs were successfully released by the communities, people’s organizations, and local officials with the assistance of MENRO-Panay, DENR-PENRO, and CaPENRO.
The CaPENRO head said this is the second time that the release of hatchlings was documented in the same barangay. The first one was March 30 last year wherein 74 Olive Ridley hatchlings were also released.
“Thanks to the efforts of the local officials and communities headed by Punong Barangay Vicente Regalado in advocating responsible fishery in the area,” said Arboleda-Depon.
To recall, last Dec. 7, 2021, Hardeliza Besa personally witnessed the time when a mother sea turtle laid eggs at the beach area in front of their house.
She reported the matter to the local authorities and the area was protected.
CaPENRO also initiated an awareness campaign in the area last Dec. 28.
Relieved that the hatchlings were finally released back to their home, Besa was hopeful that the sea turtle will be safe and will come back soon to lay more eggs.
As a reward, Punong Barangay Regalado turned-over the amount of P2,000 from the barangay and another P2,000 from Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras.
Navitas Barangay Kagawad Rubin Defelex, meantime, mentioned how grateful he was as they experienced another historical event in the province of Capiz and he never regretted taking care of the hatchlings.
He considers this as a miracle and they also believe that more sea turtles will come to Brgy. Navitas.
On his part, Punong Barangay Regalado said he was full of awe and gratitude.
For him, taking care of other animals is easy, but to take care of sea turtles is challenging.
Also present during the release were Nonilon Molina, Chief CDS of DENR, who conducted an orientation before the release; Erwin Ci-o, Chief PAMBCU, MENRO Staff Emmanuel Dulla, DENR and CaPENRO Staff, and the residents of the community./PN (with a report from CaPENRO)
