Batangas volunteer saves hundreds of dolphins, turtles

MANILA, Philippines - “You don’t have to be a doctor or a vet to save lives,” explains WWF hero of the environment and dolphin mural painter AG Saño. “Jessie De Los Reyes, a Bantay Dagat or sea patrol volunteer based in Calatagan, Batangas, was able to rescue and release hundreds of sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and even a large whale because he attended a workshop like this. If one person can do this, imagine what can happen if all 40 people here emulate him.” 

Led by WWF-Philippines CEO Lory Tan, author of the multi-awarded book, ‘A Field Guide to Whales and Dolphins in the Philippines’, the training team was composed of Paolo Pagaduan, AG Saño, Marlyn Santiago, Vanessa Vergara, Joanne Arnaldo and Gregg Yan.

WWF has been collaborating with leading Filipino marine mammal experts and conservationists to conduct marine mammal training programs with local governments, coastal communities and private sector allies since 1997. 

So what to do in a stranding situation? “Immediately contact WWF-Philippines, the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines or local authorities. WWF-Philippines alone has a 25,000-strong following on Facebook and pools volunteer experts from a wide range of disciplines to accomplish conservation goals. We’re just a Facebook message or a text away,” says Pagaduan.   

“All Pinoys can do their part,” shares Saño. “When at the beach, throw your trash in bins. Here and abroad, never order whale or dolphin meat. Finally, we call on everyone to boycott dolphin shows. If you love dolphins, then please watch them in the wild. Palawan, Bohol, the Tañon Strait and the Davao Gulf are excellent places to see them in their natural element.”