What began as a student initiative has grown into a movement of environmental hope and action. At the heart of this effort is Sanctuarium Maris, a sea turtle conservation project in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo—led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors of West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society.
Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, this project is building bridges between science, sustainability, and the community. On June 28, these student leaders hosted “Conversations on Conservation”, a focus group discussion that reflected on the progress, challenges, and future of the initiative.
A Safe Shore for Sea Turtles
Barangay Atabayan is known as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, with records of hatchlings as recent as 2020. But this coastal community also faces alarming challenges. From 2001 to 2011, 109 sea turtles were spotted—many of them injured or stranded. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued from fish traps or found along the coast. These figures paint a clear picture: the need for action is urgent.
Youth at the Helm of Conservation
WVSU’s DagYoung Student Ambassadors are at the forefront of this effort. Serving as the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), these students are not only raising awareness but are actively training as “first responders” in sea turtle protection. Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres led the opening of the forum on behalf of Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csóka, emphasizing the role of student leadership in real-world impact.
A Dialogue of Insights and Solutions
The forum was designed not just to report outcomes, but to listen—to the volunteers, residents, and local leaders who share the responsibility of protecting the coast. Topics included TideWatch, a sharing of field observations and reflections; Bright Spots, which highlighted conservation wins; Rough Waters, where challenges and failures were discussed; and Echoes of Engagement, where volunteers and locals gave feedback on their experiences. The final session, Currents Forward, explored strategies to sustain the project long-term.
A United Community Response
The event was attended by key community figures, including Barangay Captain Hon. Edison T. Camiña, Hon. Julius E. Trafalgar, Hon. Rowena C. Torrechante, and SK Chair Peter Paul Cadabo. Their presence demonstrated strong local support and the growing awareness that sea turtle conservation is not a solo effort—it is a shared mission.
Charting a Future for the Sea
In his closing remarks, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas reflected on the importance of continuity and shared responsibility. He underscored that while policies and programs help, it is the hearts and hands of people—especially the youth—that will sustain real change.
WVSU continues to serve as a beacon of environmental leadership in the region. With Sanctuarium Maris, the university’s student leaders are setting an example of what passionate, community-rooted conservation can look like.
As the sea turtles return to Tigbauan’s shores in the years to come, they will find more than just a natural sanctuary. They will find a community waiting, watching, and willing to protect.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
