San Narciso, Zambales — A total of 50 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released by SM Olongapo employees in Barangay La Paz of this town, recently.
 
The department store employees were joined by environmentalists from Katimpuyog Zambales, La Paz Rangers and barangay officials.
 
Dubbed “Pawicare for Pawikan Protection and Conservation,” the program aims to safeguard the existence of the Olive Ridley sea turtles that frequent the country.
 
Fisherfolk conservation group La Paz Rangers team leader Larainne Sarmiento said that in the past, the eggs were hunted to be sold in the public market.
 
Sarmiento added that with the presence of these volunteer fisherfolk, poaching for these precious eggs ended. She said that the goal of the program is to increase the number of Olive Ridley sea turtles.