MORONG, Bataan- A total of more than 62,000 Baby sea turtles have been released by the Pawikan Conservation Center along the West Philippine Sea area.
This was learned from mayor George Estanislao of this town quoting the report of Manolo Ibias, chairman of the Bantay Pawikan, Inc., a group of fishermen guarding voluntarily the Pawikan Conservation Center here, which is now become a tourist attraction.
A two-day Pawikan festival was held over the weekend, highlighting various events to create public awareness about the importance of sea turtles in the environment, attracting thousands of visitors and top government officials.
“The figure (of 62, 000 sea turtles that have been released into the sea) is true because since its (Pawikan conservation center) creation 13 years ago, we have been yearly releasing baby turtles into the sea as our crusade to our environment,” said Mrs. Vicky Sandejas-Garcia, Chairperson of the Bataan Tourism Council.
Mrs. Garcia said that some more structures such as audio visual room, conference room, among others will be put up soon inside the Pawikan center aside, she said, from the additional hotel rooms and beautification programs that Gov. Abet S. Garcia has been initiating to make the center more attractive.
Gov. Garcia is the eldest son of Mrs. Garcia and Rep. Tet Garcia, 2nd district-Bataan.
For his part, Gov. Garcia said during the festival that it is high time to take action for the environment, and the unified political stand in the province will be a big help.
Still bachelor at 44, Gov. Garcia said in an interview that with all the catastrophe happening in the country, an elaborate environmental plan must be carried out specifically for the marine resources.
Gov. Garcia added that the sea-use plan of all towns and city of Bataan will be consolidated to form a solid program for the province’s rich marine resources.
Also attended during the Pawikan festival were Rep. Minia roman, 1st district, Bataan; Leona Nepomuceno, Division chief of the Department of Tourism in Region 3; Mayor Gila Garcia, president of the Bataan mayors’ League; Mayors Jesse Concepcion of Mariveles; Mayor Alice Pizarro and her husband of Pilar town; Mayor Joet S. Garcia of Balanga City; Vice Mayor Aida Macalinao of Samal town; Sr. Supt. Audie Atienza , PNP director; Chief Inspector Jeffrey Onde, chief of police of Morong town; among others
