In a heartwarming display of dedication to marine conservation, the Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte Association successfully rescued and released a juvenile Hawksbill Sea turtle back into its ocean home. The turtle was found entangled in a nylon net near Bonito 2 Resort in Barangay Poblacion, Morong, on Tuesday evening.

“Iyong volunteer (Mharlo Mendoza) namin ang nagpa-patrol doon sa area. Masama po ang panahon noon dahil sa bagyo (TY Aghon) nang makita niya ‘yung pawikan na nakabalot sa lambat,”said Arnold Mendoza, Sagip Pawikan President. “Awa ang naramdaman namin. Kasi po parang tao rin ‘yung pawikan na nahihirapan. Ginamot namin ‘yung pawikan bago pinakawalan.”

(One of our volunteers, Mharlo Mendoza, was patrolling the area during the storm when he spotted the turtle trapped in the net,” recounted Arnold Mendoza, President of Sagip Pawikan. “We felt immense compassion for the turtle, as it reminded us of a person struggling. We carefully tended to its injuries before releasing it back into the ocean.)

“Ang nagiging problema po ay ‘yung mga fish net ng mga mangingisda na napuputol. Hindi na po nila nakukuha at naiiwan na lang sa dagat palutang-lutang.” Mendoza explained.

(The problem arises from the fish nets of fishermen that get cut or lost. They are unable to retrieve them, and these nets are left floating in the sea,” Mendoza explained.)

The release, conducted on Wednesday morning at the site of the rescue, was a testament to the tireless efforts of the organization, which enjoys the long-standing support of GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD).

“GNPD is deeply committed to environmental protection, including the endangered marine life in Morong,” stated Joseph Paolo Mendoza, GNPD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Superintendent. “Morong serves as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, and we consider it our duty to contribute to their survival.”

The success of Sagip Pawikan Sitio Fuerte’s conservation endeavors is undeniable. A 2023-2024 report by GNPD reveals that the group has safeguarded over 16,000 sea turtle eggs, releasing a near-equivalent number of hatchlings with an impressive hatching rate of over 98%.

This achievement underscores the importance of community involvement in preserving Morong’s marine ecosystem. Responsible waste disposal by residents and visitors alike is crucial, as the health of our oceans and the survival of marine life is a shared responsibility.