Antique: A total of 44 sea turtle hatchlings have been released back to the sea as part of this municipality's nature conservation efforts. Jolly Roy Amaran of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) said the hawksbill turtle hatchlings were released Wednesday afternoon in the coastal waters of Barangay Dalipe.

According to Philippines News Agency, "Mayor Paul Joseph Untaran led the release of the hatchlings in order to protect and conserve the sea turtles," Amaran said in an interview Thursday. Amaran noted that the municipal government has set up a turtle conservation center in Barangay Dalipe where residents can report sightings of sea turtle eggs.

Amaran explained that the initiative aims to increase awareness among the people about the importance of protecting and conserving the turtles by not collecting the eggs. The area where the eggs are found is marked and protected until the hatchlings are ready to be released to the sea.

In January this year, approximately 50 sea turtle hatchlings were released back to the sea. Amaran said the center, established in 2019, also rescues wounded turtles and provides them with treatment until they are strong enough to survive the rough sea.