At least 73 hatchlings of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) were released to the shores of Barangay Lupi in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon on January 12, 2021.

            The release was spearheaded by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon headed by Mayor Benito L. Doma together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Sorsogon headed by OIC, PENR Officer Tito R. Migo.

            The hatchlings were from a female Green Sea Turtle, which laid some 120 eggs in the coastal area on November 6, 2020. The PENRO Sorsogon provided technical assistance for proper handling and care of the eggs to the LGU personnel and the barangay officials.

            Under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09 titled, “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories”, the marine turtle species are considered endangered. Likewise, all wildlife in the Philippines are protected under Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the "Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act".

The DENR V continuously calls on the public to report such incidents and turnover any wildlife to proper authorities for proper handling and release to its natural habitat. Continuous information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns are being conducted by the DENR, which have caused increasing numbers of public turn overs to the office. (With report from PENRO Sorsogon and photos courtesy of LGU Prieto Diaz)