MARINE turtles are among the priority threatened species for conservation in the Cagayan Valley Region, similarly classified with the Philippine eagle, Philippine crocodile and flying foxes. To protect those in the Northern Philippine region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Cagayan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), conducted conservation training workshops for its personnel and partners.
The workshop, held in the coastal town of Santa Ana in Cagayan province, highlighted the establishment of the Northern Marine Turtle Network (MNTN) to enhance coastal and marine preservation. DENR Region 2 Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan underscored the importance of adopting “the ridge-to-reef and the integrated ecosystem management framework to have a comprehensive picture in planning for the conservation of our marine turtles.”
The Philippine Aquatic Wildlife Rescue and Response Manual Series: Marine Turtle, conducted by veterinarian Rizza Araceli Salinas from the Biodiversity Management Bureau and Nilo Ramoso Jr. from the Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service, involved hands-on activities in which participants practiced proper egg handling and nest management techniques.
Another training highlight was the visit, excavation and evaluation of the third Leatherback turtle nest, with the assistance of Salinas and Ramoso.
MNTN sought support from agencies such as the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, local government units and other conservation partner institutions.
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