Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. addresses attendees during the World Wildlife Day celebration, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and community involvement.
Olongapo City – In a strong show of grassroots environmental action, the City Government of Olongapo, led by Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., brought together students, educators, barangay officials, and fisherfolk for a hands-on training on Proper Handling of Sea Turtle Eggs in observance of World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2026.
Held at Driftwood Beach in Barangay Barretto, the activity highlighted the vital role of youth and coastal communities as frontline stewards of marine biodiversity. Rather than focusing solely on awareness, the event emphasized practical skills and shared responsibility in protecting endangered marine species.
CENRO personnel Jhouven Lyndon Rabara, Vince Palm Ebue, and Mark Lengwa led the training, equipping participants with technical knowledge on the safe and proper handling of sea turtle eggs to increase hatchling survival rates while ensuring adherence to environmental protection standards.
Participants included teachers and students from Barretto National High School – Junior and Senior High School Department, Columban College Barretto, Barangay Barretto officials headed by Punong Barangay Dante Escobar, and representatives of various fisherfolks associations. The diverse participation underscored a unified community approach to conservation.
Mayor Paulino, who graced the event, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to empowering local communities to take an active role in safeguarding coastal resources. City Councilors Ying Anonat, Rody Catologan, and Vicvic Magsaysay were also recognized for their steadfast support of environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Through collaborative programs such as this, Olongapo City continues to build a culture of environmental responsibility—ensuring that future generations not only inherit thriving marine ecosystems but also possess the knowledge and commitment to protect them.