There is hope for the sea turtles of Tigbauan in Iloilo province after members of the town’s youth organization spearheaded efforts to protect and conserve the nesting grounds of the olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) that are internationally classified as a “vulnerable” species. Prompted by the discovery of a nesting site last Oct. 24, 2020 in the village of Atabayan, the Atabayan Youth Organization (AYO) set out to deploy protective measures to secure the area, given that marine turtles are a highly endangered species and are under the protection of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Led by 23-year-old AYO Chairman Larry Traifalgar, 68 turtle eggs were retrieved from the original nest and transferred a few meters to higher ground to keep them from the rising tide and stray dogs that began to gather around.

Pagador, J. R. (2020, December 16). Youth-led initiative sparks hope for sea turtle conservation. Daily Guardian, pp. 1, 8.