Agusan del norte: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-13 (Caraga) released 166 marine turtle hatchlings on Sunday in coastal Barangay Manapa, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The DENR-13 team was joined by personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) - Nasipit, officials from the local government of Buenavista, and barangay officials of Manapa in releasing the hatchlings.

According to Philippines News Agency, CENRO - Nasipit chief Nelson Caranzo stated in an interview on Monday that they are monitoring at least 12 nesting sites in the coastal areas of Carmen, Nasipit, and Buenavista. Technical personnel are regularly visiting these sites to ensure the safety and protection of the marine turtles. Among these sites, seven are located in Carmen, three in Buenavista, and two in Nasipit.

Caranzo emphasized the importance of focusing protection activities on external factors affecting the hatching of marine turtles, including predators like dogs and other reptiles. He also acknowledged the efforts of the residents of coastal Barangay Manapa for their assistance in safeguarding the turtle nesting sites.

The DENR-13 highlighted that the successful hatching and release were achieved through continuous monitoring and protection of the nesting site by CENRO - Nasipit, with active participation from the Manapa community. This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish Buenavista as a designated Critical Habitat, covering a proposed area of 891.34 hectares.

Barangay Manapa has pledged to support conservation efforts by moving away from harmful practices such as illegal fishing and wildlife poaching. The Marine Turtle Conservation Program continues to promote habitat protection, monitor nesting activity, and raise public awareness on the importance of safeguarding marine life.