MAGSAYSAY, Misamis Oriental — A total of 82 baby hawksbill turtles hatched on the morning of Oct. 16 along the coast of Barangay Kandiis in this town’s eastern area.
From the time the eggs were laid until they hatched and were released, they were under the care of Barangay Chairman Rolando Pagara, who has been a key figure in local turtle conservation since 1999.
The hatchlings were released into the sea at 5:30 pm the same day.
“They are now facing their most dangerous journey, where they are expected to be eaten by marine predators such as sharks and other large fish,” Pagara said.
He said the 82 hatchlings came from 170 eggs laid on Aug. 7 along the same beach. Some eggs failed to hatch due to damage caused by bad weather.
Pagara explained that the mother hawksbill turtle leaves the area immediately after laying her eggs, returning to the ocean.
“If one survives and grows, even after many years, that species of turtle will return to the same place to lay eggs also,” he said.
The hawksbill turtle is classified as critically endangered in the Philippines. Its nesting areas face threats from human activity, as most sites are near populated coastal communities.
“The areas where they lay their eggs are not safe for a mother turtle because they are densely populated,” Pagara said.
He added: “In addition, many people are still interested in their shells. Therefore, they should be carefully monitored during egg-laying.”
“Ato sila proteksyonan,” he said, emphasizing the need to protect the turtles.
Pagara also reminded the public that catching hawksbill turtles is prohibited under both Philippine and international law.
