One thousand hatchling turtles are released into the sea during the celebration of Pawikan Day in Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi on 11 June 2024. Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Western Mindanao Public Affairs Office
ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 13 June) – A thousand hatchling turtles were released Tuesday to celebrate the 5th Adlaw Sin Payukan (Pawikan Day) in Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi, Lt. Chester Ross Cabaltera, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NavForWM) Public Affairs Officer said in a message to the media upon their arrival Wednesday night from the release site.
“As a Navy diver, I see the marine turtles play an important role in our ecosystem by maintaining healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds, which serve as breeding grounds for fish and small crustaceans. This is evidence that we still have a healthy marine environment,” the message quoted Commodore Tagamolila Jr., NavForWM commander as saying in his speech during the event
UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention website identified Turtle Islands as Extremely High for biodiversity conservation. It is the only major nesting habitat of Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Philippines, the primary nesting ground in the ASEAN region, and the 11th major nesting site globally.
It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary under Proclamation No. 171 on August 26, 1999.
UNESCO said these turtles lay 80-150 eggs every night during peak season, which falls from May to July.
The area comprises the islands of Boan, Lihiman, Langaan, Great Bakkungan, Taganak, and Baguan.
Turtle Islands Mayor Mohammad Faizal Jamalul led the guests and local residents in releasing the hatchling turtles into the sea.
Presidential Management Staff Undersecretary Mark Roa Gimenez came to represent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali, Minister Akmad Brahim from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy and other officials of BARMM also attended.
The festival, themed “Better Future for the Marine Turtles,” highlighted the significance of Turtle Islands as a sanctuary for sea turtles. (Frencie L. Carreon/MindaNews)