For many, the long northern coast of La Union is undeniably known for its stoke-inducing swells and red vivid sunsets - a beach full of life, parties and surf, bringing in visitors from all over the country and beyond. Yet farther up the stretch of its bountiful reefs and waves, a family has dedicated their lives to saving and conserving the sea turtles nestling in the quaint barangay of Ili Norte. Carlos Tamayo and his family started Project Curma - Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions - a marine turtle conservation program that protects endangered keystone marine species such as the olive ridley sea turtle from poachers and predators within the coastal area. The program is now in its 10th year of protecting the sea turtles from potential risks and dangers from human activities such as egg poaching, fishing and major coastal development.

Mejia, G. (2021, July 9). A voice for our turtles. The Manila Times, p. A5.