The Aboitiz Group has formalized its establishment of pawikan (marine turtle) center in Davao City as part of its effort to intensify the conservation of hawksbill turtle in the Davao Gulf.
Company executives signed a memorandum of agreement with the city government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday morning regarding this matter.
Aboitiz Power chief operating officer for distribution group Jaime Jose Aboitiz said the MOA aims to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders for better assistance given to rescued marine turtles.
“Today, after more than 13,000 mangroves seedlings planted and more than 3,000 hatchlings released we renewed our commitment,” he said.
Aboitiz said the facility has been used for many years and they just improved the facilities now for more marine turtles to be rescued.
DENR assistant secretary Ruth Tawantawan said the facility will help the conservation of the Hawksbill turtles since they are already considered as endangered species.
“This will help prevent the extinction of the Hawkbill turtles,” she said.
Tawantawan said this turtle species has only one percent of survival after being hatched so it is important to preserve them.
The center is the rescue and hatchery facility located inside the Aboitz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Barangay Matina.
The facility is a temporary shelter, clinic, laboratory, observation deck, boardwalks and other facilities for the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of marine turtles.
The center also aims to identify, document and address the threats to the marine turtles and their habitats in the area, and promote research as well as enhancing public awareness.
As of this day, a total of 4,370 pawikan eggs found in the Cleanergy Park and 3,482 hatchlings have been rescued and released to the shores.
