ILOILO — A total of 104 pawikan (marine turtle) hatchlings safely made their way to the sea after being discovered along the coastline of Barangay Bacauan, Miag-ao town, during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” last week.
The Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology – Quick Response Team (IMFO-QRT) of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), led by Research Associate Precious Nikola Gaurana, responded to the report on September 27. The initial sighting was made by UPV employees and local residents Rey Nuneza and John Michael Moleta, who found two hatchlings on the evening of September 26.
Upon inspection, the IMFO-QRT counted 117 eggs in the nest, of which 104 successfully hatched. While 13 eggs remained unhatched, possibly due to wave action and rising sea levels brought about by the typhoon.
The recovered hatchlings were carefully guided back to the sea as part of conservation efforts. The team also conducted a site assessment to check the condition of the nesting area.
The IMFO-QRT extended its gratitude to the local community of Bacauan and the Miag-ao LGU, particularly under the support of Ma’am Eden Nequia, for their assistance. MS Fisheries Biology student Carmela Ellaga also volunteered during the site visit.
The event highlights the crucial role of community cooperation in biodiversity protection and reinforces the importance of coastal conservation initiatives./PN
