VP Sara Helps In Release Of 152 Hawksbill Hatchlings

In a heartwarming event held at Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, an eight-hectare ecological preserve and biodiversity conservation site managed by Davao Light and Aboitiz Foundation Inc., celebrated the release of 152 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean.

VP Sara Duterte-Carpio joins Davao Light and locals to oversee the release of hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings at Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.

Since its inception in 2014, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park has served as a habitat for over 100 species of endemic and migratory birds, various marine life, and as a protected nesting ground for critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles.

To date, a total of 7,993 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings have been released from this sanctuary, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.

Philippine Vice President (VP) and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio graced the occasion, emphasizing the importance of sea turtle conservation and the need to educate children about these endangered creatures.

“Most adult turtles that we get from the seas have problems because they inadvertently consume plastic [waste]. That is why it is important to have children understand the life cycle of turtles and the difficult lives they have,” she explained.

The release event was a collaborative effort, with the Office of the Vice President, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local schools and universities all joining hands to ensure the success of the endeavor.

While only a few of these hatchlings will survive to adulthood, ongoing conservation efforts and responsible waste management are paramount to the survival of these endangered creatures.

Sea turtles play a vital ecological role, helping maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Hawksbill sea turtles, in particular, thrive on coral reefs, where they feed on overgrown sponges that can smother slow-growing corals. Additionally, they help control the population of jellyfish in the ocean.

Fermin Edillon, Head of the Reputation Enhancement Department at Davao Light, expressed gratitude for VP Duterte-Carpio's support of pawikan (turtle) conservation efforts.

"We are honored that VP Sara joined the event and showed her support to pawikan (turtle) conservation efforts,” said Edillon.

He also highlighted that during her tenure as Mayor of Davao City, she signed a memorandum of agreement with DENR - Region XI and Davao Light, establishing Aboitiz Cleanergy Park as a pawikan rescue center in the region.

Presently, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park provides shelter and care to seven rescued adult pawikans of various species, including five hawksbill sea turtles, a green sea turtle, and an olive ridley turtle.

These turtles receive veterinary care and are closely monitored until they are fully rehabilitated and ready for release into the wild.

In addition to its role in wildlife conservation, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park actively promotes decarbonization within an urban area. It features a mangrove reforestation site, nursery, and botanical garden dedicated to propagating multiple native tree species, demonstrating a holistic commitment to environmental stewardship.

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