People use the expression "chance of a lifetime" quite carelessly these days and when they do get that chance, hesitate to take it. But not a GE Volunteer. Last September 13, 2008, ten volunteers from GEMSPI led by Ann Bayan-Flora, travelled to Morong, Bataan and took part in a truly rare event - the release of sea turtle (pawikan) hatchlings of the Olive Ridley variety.
The hatching of sea turtle eggs happens only every 20 to 25 years, the time it takes for the female to reach maturity and reproduce. About 50 hatchlings were released to the ocean that day and sadly, only a handful of them will survive to reach the mature age. The release is done in the morning because artificial lighting disorients and attracts baby turtles after emergence. Many hatchlings die and not make it to the sea because of this. The few who are lucky enough to grow into maturity face another threat. Marine turtes are reptiles. They have lungs and need to breathe air from the surface every few minutes of swimming underwater. Accidental catch by traps and nets may drown and kill them.Aside from the Olive Ridley sea turtle variety, the sanctuary also houses two other varieties - the Loggerhead and the Hawksbill- all of which are endangered species. The community-based pawikan conservation project is by Bantay Pawikan, Inc. (www.communityturtles.netfirms.com/index.htm) assisted by Unlad Bataan PRMM Chapter, the Bataan Provincial Government, the PCP-PAWB-DENR and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and GEF Small Grants Program. 
A banner in the sanctuary offers some sound advice for people who wouldn't want to miss chances that come along rarely: Experience a chance of a lifetime. Adopt a sea turtle and in your hands, hold the future!
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