183 sea turtle hatchlings make their way to sea in Panglao

PANGLAO, Bohol — A total of 183 Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings safely made their way to the sea on July 3, 2026, following the successful emergence from the second protected nest at Hennan Premier Coast in Tawala, Panglao.

“Every hatchling that reaches the sea represents hope for the future of our marine ecosystems. This milestone reflects what can be achieved through vigilance, science-based conservation, and the strong partnership among government agencies, the private sector, and local stakeholders. Protecting marine turtle nesting sites today helps ensure that future generations will continue to witness these remarkable species in our coastal waters,” said Bohol OIC PENRO, Wilson Henson.

The nest, laid on May 13, 2026, contained 198 eggs and after an incubation period of 51 days, the hatchlings began emerging at 5:34 p.m. and were safely released into the sea from 5:58 p.m. to 6:34 p.m. through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Hennan Premier Coast, Henson bared.

The nesting site remains under protection and close monitoring, with 15 eggs yet to hatch.  DENR personnel continue safeguarding the nest until the hatching period concludes, after which a nest excavation was conducted to determine the final hatching success and evaluate the remaining eggs in accordance with established marine turtle conservation protocols.

Henson bared that the successful emergence highlighted the importance of sustained conservation efforts and community partnerships in protecting the province’s rich marine biodiversity, while DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir Salac emphasized that the successful hatching demonstrated the impact of collaborative environmental stewardship.

“The successful emergence of these 183 sea turtle hatchlings is a clear reminder that conservation efforts truly bear fruit when carried out with commitment, science, and strong partnerships.  Every protected nest and every hatchling that safely reaches the sea is a meaningful step toward securing the future of our marine biodiversity. This achievement reflects what government agencies, the private sector, and local communities can accomplish when we work together in protecting our shared natural heritage,” said Salac.

DENR-7 said Panglao Island has become an active nesting corridor for green sea turtles and calls the Tawala to Libaong coastline an active sea turtle nesting habitat and known nesting corridor.   

Repeated nesting is seen as a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem.  Green Sea Turtles are among the marine species protected under Philippine environmental laws and international conservation agreements. Their continued survival depends on the protection of nesting beaches, responsible coastal management, and active public participation in biodiversity conservation.

It can be recalled that on June 15, 2026, 79 baby green sea turtles were released into Panglao Sea at Alona Beach.  The hatchlings came from the 227+ eggs first documented on April 25 in front of Henann Resort.  Because the nest was in a high-tide zone, eggs were relocated to a safer area to protect them from waves and rising sea levels.

On May 13 2026, another green sea turtle nested along Alona shoreline and on May 29, 2026, the 4th recorded nesting event this year on Alona Beach.  Protection measures included the cordoning off of the nest sites for 45-70 days incubation; reduced artificial lighting + disturbance-free zones and bamboo barriers installed around nests.

According to the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), 41 marine turtles stranding have been recorded from 2019 to 2023, averaging eight turtles stranding per year.  From January to September 2024, seven marine turtles stranding were also recorded.

Bohol governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado reaffirmed commitment to make Bohol a safe haven for green sea turtles, while resorts in the area and other stakeholders in the community help monitor and protect the turtle nests.

“The increasing nesting activity shows conservation efforts are working and reflects the health of coastal ecosystems here in Panglao, Bohol,” Aumentado said. (Photos: DENR-7)