In a significant move for marine conservation, the local government of San Jose de Buenavista in Antique province released 50 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings into the sea on January 2, 2025. The release took place in front of the Costa Madrangca Beach Resort in Barangay Madrangca, marking a continuation of the town’s dedicated efforts to protect and conserve sea turtles.
Mayor Justin Encarnacion spearheaded the release, emphasizing the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The hatchlings were part of a larger clutch of 99 eggs discovered on October 17, 2024, by local residents. Unfortunately, only 50 of these eggs successfully hatched.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Madelyn Pagunsan highlighted that Barangay Madrangca has become a frequent nesting site for sea turtles. Last year, the area saw the release of 480 hatchlings, underscoring its importance in the turtles’ lifecycle. Pagunsan noted that turtles often return to their birthplace to nest, which adds to the significance of protecting these areas.
Looking forward, the local government plans to engage coastal residents in conservation efforts. They intend to train volunteers to identify nesting sites by recognizing specific markings in the sand. This initiative, supported by experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is scheduled for the first quarter of the year, aiming to foster a community-driven approach to sea turtle conservation.