NAIC—The Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patroller (SLPP) released 157 “pawikan” hatchlings in their natural habitat over the weekend along the shore of Barangay Labac in this town.
According to Roger Bilugan, leader of the organization, they are also preparing for the annual Pawikan Festival, now on its 14th season, which will be held on February 7.
The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys Olivacea) sea turtle hatchlings are being cared for by SLPP at the Labac Conservatory Facility.
Bilugan said it takes about 60 days before a turtle’s egg hatches.
“We, the volunteers Pawikan Patrollers, observe the shore of Labac day and night to monitor the laying of Pawikan eggs during their breeding season — to wrap the eggs so that dogs don’t eat them and to take care of them until they hatch,” Bilugan said.
“Usually we release the hatchlings when it is already dark, so that could reach the deep sea, because when there is still daylight, there are many predators, like birds and sometimes people also take them,” he added.
During the Pawikan Festival, there will be a Float Parade that will be participated by all barangays of Naic.
