MANILA, Philippines - The Bataan Tourism Council Foundation announced that the Pawikan Festival in Bataan will be held on Nov. 30 at the Pawikan Conservation Center in the seaside village of Nagbalayong in Morong manned by former poachers and turtle egg collectors-turned conservation advocates.
The ceremonial releasing of day-old marine turtle hatchlings, mostly from the Olive Ridley species, will highlight the festival 2014, said Vicky Garcia of the Bataan Tourism Council Foundation.
She said three out of five species of marine turtles in the country – Olive Ridley, Hawksville and Green turtles – have Bagac and Morong towns as their nesting places.
More than 62,000 hatchlings have so far been released out to the West Philippines Sea since late 1999 when the Pawikan Conservation Program started.
Other activities include a walk for a cause, street dancing on the sandy beach, environment fair, mural, body and boat painting contests, nature’s camp and beach party.
A quiz bee and sand sculpture contest await high school students, paddle painting contest for elementary pupils and pawikan amazing race for college students.