Davao Children Help Release 169 Hawksbill Turtle Hatchlings at Aboitiz Cleanergy Park
In a heartwarming display of environmental stewardship, children took an active role in the release of 169 hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings from two nests at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Sitio Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. The event, held on January 23, 2026, saw young participants safely guiding the tiny pawikan to the sea, underscoring the critical need to protect these endangered marine creatures and their nesting habitats.
Conservation Efforts Yield Steady Increase in Turtle Releases
Fermin Edillon, head of Davao Light’s Reputation Enhancement Department, revealed that these hatchlings originated from the park’s third and fourth nests of the year. This release follows an earlier batch on January 3, bringing the total number of hawksbill hatchlings released in 2026 to an impressive 461 so far. Edillon emphasized the park’s growing success in conservation, noting that since 2014, over 10,943 hatchlings have been released into the wild.
In 2025 alone, the park facilitated the release of 850 hatchlings, and Edillon anticipates this number will rise in the coming months as more nests are expected to hatch in February. He also highlighted ongoing rescue efforts, mentioning that a sea turtle was rescued in January after being found floating near Sasa Port, with 11 turtles currently under the park’s care.
The Vital Role of Nesting Site Protection
The activity served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving nesting areas for hawksbill turtles. These hatchlings imprint on the beach where they are born and, years later, return to the same shores to lay their eggs, continuing the cycle of life. This natural behavior makes the protection of every nesting site essential for their long-term survival, a point underscored by the children’s involvement in the release.
Conservation in Action: Partnerships and Challenges
Edillon credited the increase in hatchling releases to dedicated conservation efforts, including coastal clean-ups, partnerships with various organizations, and collaboration with local and national government agencies. However, he cautioned that clean-ups are only a temporary solution. In an interview with SunStar Davao on January 26, 2026, he explained, “It’s a band-aid solution, but it’s very important for our efforts here at the park. We really need help with cleaning because two river systems feed into this area, and all the trash from the rivers ends up here.”
Aboitiz Cleanergy Park: A Hub for Environmental Stewardship
Opened to the public on April 23, 2015, as part of the Aboitiz Cleanergy initiative, the park embodies the company’s commitment to “Care for the Earth.” It plays a multifaceted role in environmental preservation, protecting mangrove and coastal forests, nurturing coral reefs, safeguarding critically endangered hawksbill turtles, and overseeing the 37-hectare Punta Dumalag Marine Protected Area.
Since its inception, the park has achieved significant milestones, including releasing more than 10,000 sea turtle hatchlings, planting 29,000 mangroves, and rescuing 32 sea turtles. Its efforts have been recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which designated it as a Pawikan Rescue Center in Davao City.
Davao Light and the Aboitiz Foundation expressed their gratitude to all partners who dedicated time and support to this initiative, reinforcing the collective effort required to protect marine life and promote sustainable practices in the region.
