OFFICIALS of the Community Environment and Natural Resources (Cenro) in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte has sent back five Olive Ridley Turtle hatchlings to their natural habitat.
The release of the turtle hatchlings, which was held Friday, May 22, in Dawo village, Dapitan City, was in line with the celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) and observance of the Month of Ocean.
Dr. Adelaida Borja, head of Cenro-Piñan, said these five hatchlings were rescued in a weakened state and were nursed back to health by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel prior to their release.
Borja said the release of the turtle hatchlings is a joint collaboration work between Cenro office in Zamboanga and the Department of Agriculture, through the BFAR headed by Cyril Patangan, who contributed technical expertise in ensuring the survival of the hatchlings.
This year's IDBD celebration is anchored on the theme, "Our Solutions are in Nature."
Meanwhile, Borja said her office is working closely with BFAR in terms of monitoring identified turtle nesting sites within the Municipality of Piñan.
Earlier, the Cenro in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, has also released a male Green Sea Turtle back to its natural habitat.
The turtle, which was freed in Dansalan village, Labason in the same province, was rescued by two fisherman in Liloy. (SunStar Zamboanga)