The local government here released 50 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings in front of the Costa Madrangca Beach Resort in Barangay Madrangca as part of the capital town’s protection and conservation program.

San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Justin Encarnacion led the release of the sea turtles on Thursday.

“Initially, 99 eggs were found in the nesting area,” , said Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Madelyn Pagunsan said in an interview on Friday.

Only 50 of the 99 eggs, first discovered by residents on Oct. 17, 2024, hatched and were released back to the sea.

“Barangay Madrangca so far had been the common nesting area of sea turtles,” Pagunsan said.

Last year, they released 480 sea turtle hatchlings in the same area.

Pagunsan said turtles are believed to return to the same place where they hatched for nesting.

She added that they are planning to train coastal residents who are willing to serve as volunteers and partners in protecting sea creatures like turtles.

They will be taught how to detect nesting areas through markings on the sand.

“We plan to hold the training of volunteers, through the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources experts, in the first quarter of this year,” Pagunsan said. (PNA)