Guiding newly-hatched Olive Ridley turtles
to sea since 2001, the annual Pawikan Festival held at
the Pawikan Conservation Center in Barangay Nagbalayong,
Morong, Bataan has become an important representation of environmental awareness
pertaining to marine life. Most especially to these lovable creatures teeming
with delightful qualities, but is now considered as an endangered species.
Experiencing this unique festival centering on environment conservation,
particularly the marine life, has made me more aware about the dangers that
many creatures of the sea face each day.
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| Crawl to your home, little one |
“The Pawikan Festival is an annual event held to continuously raise public awareness about Marine Turtles. The Province initiates the drive to educate the locals and everyone in the world of the threats they face, their protection and conservation through various activities, presentations and exhibitions. Among the seven species of marine turtles, three can be found in Bataan, making it a prime location for the Pawikan Conservation Center where the festival is celebrated.” Bataan Tourism staff member Leslie Jorge tells us.
Pawikan Festival First-Timer
Being my first time to witness this event, I steadily sat on the fine gray sands of the beach clutching my camera as I eagerly awaited the arrival of the cute little ones. Brimming with excitement and at the same time riddled with concerns about the challenges that awaits them in the wild sea, I recited a brief prayer asking the heavens to guide them, as they set off on their own.
Only a small percentage of Olive Ridley sea turtles
survive after being hatched. From a total of more than three hundred eggs an
adult turtle lays every year, only less than a hundred of those will achieve a
successful hatching. Add to the survival equation, the presence of a number of
natural elements such as irresponsible human interventions, animal predators
and vultures in the open sea, the survival rate of these sea turtles, nosedives
to a mere five percent. It is believed that only one sea turtle out of three
hundred hatched eggs, will reach adulthood and sexual maturity.
The goal of the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong,
Bataan is to increase the chances of the Olive Ridley sea turtles at survival.
Former poachers of sea turtle eggs are now employed and trained to spot newly
hatched eggs by going on ‘night patrols’ during the hatching
season.
During these night patrols, they spot sea turtles that
come to shore to hatch eggs. Afterwards, they carefully collect the eggs and
bring it to the conservation center for proper incubation and ensure its
hatching forty five days later. Because of this, the Pawikan Conservation
Center has already increased the chances at life of the sea turtles by
guaranteeing that all of the laid eggs will hatch and bear a new life.
Street Dance Competition, Art Fest and Introducing the Bangkal Bigkin Children’s Choir
A staggering display of colorful costume designs,
stunning sets and impressive choreography proceeded the release of the sea
turtles, as more than ten contingents from various towns in Morong,
participated in a street dance competition.
Centering their routines on the depiction of the plight
of sea turtles, the performers wowed the audience one after the other with
their poetic body movements against thundering drumming beats. Sea turtle inspired artworks were presented on the
grounds as various artists exhibited their creations through body art and sand
sculptures – all presenting the splendor of the sea turtles, which helped
reinforce the resolve to help in their conservation, throughout all the
attendees.
Sea turtle inspired artworks were presented on the
grounds as various artists exhibited their creations through body art and sand
sculptures – all presenting the splendor of the sea turtles, which helped
reinforce the resolve to help in their conservation, throughout all the
attendees.
We were also serenaded by a group of young Aetas comprising
the talented choir called Bangkal Bigkin Children’s Choir. As
their angelic voices reverberate throughout the open air of the beach, a solemn
atmosphere lingered, as we all watched in delight, astounded by their magical
performance.
The highlight of the day was watching the sea turtles
crawl enthusiastically towards their home. Flapping their flippers endlessly as
soon as they were all laid out on long rectangular sandboxes, while a horde of
spectator battle for position to catch a clear glimpse of them, I snapped a few
photographs capturing the look of exhilaration on their tiny features. It was
like they can sense what is about to happen — the realization of both their own
freedom and survival.
The moment the caretakers took off the lid from the
sandboxes, one by one as if racing against each other, guided by the gleam and
phosphorescence from the ocean, the sea turtles walked towards the direction of
the sea, advancing as if an imaginary yell of “to freedom” by
Braveheart’s William Wallace encouraged them to proceed.
What I witnessed at the Pawikan Festival left me
feeling a bit emotional. I saw the culmination of a beautiful life cycle of
endearing creatures, and what a wonderful thing it was.
Fast Facts on Sea Turtles:
Average life span in the wild: 50
years
Size: 2 to 2.5 ft
(62 to 70 cm)
Weight: Olive Ridleys
can grow up to 100 lbs
Did you know? One
can distinguish the male Olive Ridleys from the females just by spotting their
tails that stick outside their carapace.
When is Bataan Pawikan Festival held:
It is held every last week of November at the Pawikan Conservation Center in
Morong, Bataan.
Pawikan Hatching Season:
October to February. The eggs hatch after 45 days.
Can Tourist Visit Anytime:
Yes, visitors are encouraged to visit the Pawikan Conservation Center and are
also invited to watch the scheduled releasing of sea turtles to the sea.
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This article was first published in TasteCompany on February 2017
