CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A total of 78 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings (Lepidochelys olivacea) were successfully released back into the sea on January 15, 2026, along the shoreline of Barangay Wawa, Calapan City, in a community-led conservation effort organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – MIMAROPA and local volunteers.
The hatchlings emerged from a nest monitored by the Calapan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the Oriental Mindoro Coastal Resource Management Council. The nest was laid in late November 2025 and protected for approximately 50–55 days until hatching.
Key Details of the Release
- Number Released: 78 healthy hatchlings
- Location: Wawa Beach, Calapan City — a known nesting site for Olive Ridleys in Oriental Mindoro
- Participants: DENR-MIMAROPA, CENRO Calapan, local barangay officials, fisherfolk, students, and volunteers from the community
- Survival Focus: Hatchlings were gently guided to the water during early morning to avoid predators and extreme heat
DENR-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol emphasized:
“Every hatchling released is a step toward rebuilding our marine turtle populations. Olive Ridleys are classified as vulnerable, and community involvement is key to their survival. We call on everyone to protect nesting sites and report any poaching or disturbance.”
The Olive Ridley is one of five sea turtle species found in Philippine waters and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Threats include poaching of eggs, entanglement in fishing gear, coastal development, and climate change impacts on nesting beaches.
This release is part of ongoing marine turtle conservation programs in MIMAROPA, where Oriental Mindoro has several active nesting sites. DENR continues to conduct nest monitoring, hatchery management, and public education to increase survival rates.
A beautiful and hopeful sight — congratulations to the Calapan community and DENR for giving these little ones a chance to thrive in the ocean!