On August 19, a seven- month old green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was turned-over by Manila Ocean Park (MOP) to Pawikan Conservation Project of PAWB-DENR. The turtle named “COCO,” was being taken care at the Manila Ocean Park. Coco weighed 180 grams when brought to MOP and weighed 3.275 kgs. when turned-over to PAWB. Coco was tagged released in Crystal Beach Resort, San Narciso, Zambales along with four (4) turtles.

The following day, it was reported to be accidentally caught in a fish net in San Felipe, Zambales but was immediately released. The success of retrieval and release of coco was the fruit of networking among the concerned participants of the recently conducted Orientation and Training Workshop on Marine Turtle Conservation and Protection. The said workshop intended to inform and educate school teachers, barangay officials, several LGU Officials and PNP representatives of the Municipality of San Felipe, San Narciso, San Antonio, Zambales which was organized TIMPUYOG (environmental NGO), Zambales and Sea Turtle Harbor (environmental volunteer group). (Photos courtesy of Emie T. Ramoso)