In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and environmental commitment, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society, held the first seminar-training of the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project on February 15, 2025, in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo.
Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the project highlights WVSU’s strong dedication to sustainability, conservation, and volunteerism. The DagYoung Student Ambassadors, under the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of WVSU, spearheaded the initiative, showcasing the power of student leadership in driving positive change that benefits both the environment and the local community.
The seminar-training session was opened by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, who highlighted the importance of education and collaboration in environmental action.
“The conceptualization of the Sanctuarium Maris is a product of collaborative concern and efforts that we would like to put into practice, serving as the beginning of something that will continue through generations,” she said.
Cyndy Sol G. Rodrigo, Ecosystem Management Specialist II and Regional Alternate Youth Desk Officer of DENR VI, delivered an insightful talk on protecting water and forests to save sea turtles. She also addressed the importance of ensuring compliance with laws and policies related to sea turtle and nest conservation.
Rodrigo also shared best practices for implementing conservation efforts, including the effective management of marine protected areas, community-based monitoring systems, and the importance of educating local populations on how to properly handle sea turtle nests to ensure their safety.
Her session underscored the necessity of strong governance and community action in securing the future of sea turtles, reinforcing that environmental protection goes hand-in-hand with the legal framework necessary to enforce conservation measures.
Jessie L. Reyes, Communication Development Officer II and Regional Designate Youth Desk Officer, summarized the session’s key insights and reflections, while Johnric G. Vargas, Special Projects Coordinator, offered reminders and closing remarks.
Barangay Atabayan, one of the Philippines’ key nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles, faces significant challenges to turtle conservation. These turtles, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are at risk due to human activities such as fishing. Between 2001 and 2011, more than 100 turtles were reported stranded, many suffering from injuries. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts in the region.
As sea turtles continue to nest along the shores of Atabayan, the project will stand as a testament to the power of community collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change. With the joint efforts of WVSU, local government units, and the residents of Atabayan, the Sanctuarium Maris project aspires to leave a lasting legacy of sea turtle preservation and habitat conservation for future generations.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
