To support the vital breeding grounds of the vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtle, visit the SLPP - Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patroller page in Brgy. Labac, Naic, Cavite. Their nightly shoreline patrols successfully safeguard hatchlings and boost conservation awareness. These community-led efforts—supported by local government and environmental groups—protect sea turtle eggs by transferring them to protected hatcheries for a 60-day incubation period.
Guardians of the Night: The Labac Pawikan Patrollers
The Samahan ng Labac Pawikan Patrollers (SLPP) has become the backbone of sea turtle conservation in Cavite. Volunteers observe the shores of Labac day and night to monitor the laying of pawikan eggs during their breeding season, carefully wrapping the eggs to protect them from predators like dogs and ensuring they are cared for until they hatch . The group has recorded 106 nest holes since September 2025, showing a promising increase in nesting activity in the area.
The SLPP's work is made possible through strong partnerships with the local government, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), and Cavite State University-Naic. A Memorandum of Agreement between the Naic LGU and CvSU Naic established a 350-square-meter lot for the Pawikan Hatchery and Information Center . The PRA and SM-SCIDC also contributed PHP2 million in funding assistance for the facility . This multi-sectoral collaboration ensures that the conservatory has the resources and support needed to continue its vital work.
Conservation Milestones and Community Impact
The impact of these efforts is clear. Nighttime releases shield hatchlings from predators like birds and people, increasing their chances of survival . The 60-day incubation period is a critical stage where the eggs are kept safe in protected hatcheries . The SLPP also engages in research and monitoring, including tagging individual turtles to support global data initiatives.
The annual Pawikan Festival serves as a powerful celebration of this work, drawing nearly 2,000 participants in a Pawikan Color Run at the 15th festival . The festival has grown significantly, with releases increasing from 80 hatchlings in 2024 to 500 in 2026 . Volunteers, students, and conservation advocates frequently collaborate with the sanctuary to expand marine preservation, and the Philippine Coast Guard's Marine Science Investigation Force (MSIF) joined the release of 243 hatchlings in January 2026 . Through these sustained community efforts, the Olive Ridley sea turtle is finding a safe haven in the shores of Naic.
