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The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Catanduanes headed by PENR Officer Imelda D. Baltazar rescued and released some ninety (90) Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings along the shoreline of Magnesia Del Sur, Virac, Catanduanes on May 10, 2022.

Through the report of Mr. Alfredo Isidoro, a resident of the barangay, the PENRO Team led by Conservation Development Section (CDS) Chief Editha A. Milan conducted an assessment and accounted ninety (90) Green Sea Turtle hatchlings, which were found to be in good condition and were released in the same barangay. However, the Team was able to identify seven (7) mortality.

Further, PENRO Catanduanes conducted a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign to some residents during the release of the hatchlings as part of the 2022 Month of the Ocean celebration. The Team also secured several marine turtle nests present in the area.

It is uplifting  to know that because of our continuous Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) campaigns, the local residents are aware that sea turtle hatchlings must be reported to the nearest DENR Field Office for rescue, tagging release and to monitor the species’ migratory patterns, growth rates, survival, and reproductive output,” PENRO Baltazar said.

PENRO Baltazar lauds the effort of the local community who contributed in the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity.

Green Sea Turtles are categorized as “Endangered Species” based on DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-09.  (With report from PENRO Catanduanes)