House greenlights June as month for marine turtle protection

Diving with a green sea turtle is one of the main attractions on Apo Island off Dauin, Negros Oriental. These turtles breed along the beaches of the island and feed in its waters.
—(Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism-Central Visayas)

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives has greenlighted a bill designating June as the Marine Turtle Conservation and Protection Month, reinforcing efforts to conserve and protect marine turtles and the critical habitats they inhabit.

The bill, House Bill (HB) No. 8503, passed on its third and final reading with an overwhelming consensus of 236 votes. Authored by Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., Basilan Lone District Rep. Mujiv Hataman, and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, the legislation is geared toward amplifying marine turtle protection efforts.

“This bill aims to promote full awareness and widest dissemination of policies on marine turtle conservation and protection, and create and sustain awareness on the importance of the irreplaceable ecological roles played by marine turtle species to help sustain the health of the marine ecosystem,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

“By approving this bill, the House hopes that we also encourage the advocacy on marine turtle protection and sustainability and inspire government agencies and the public to take part in this relevant mission,” Romualdez, Leyte 1st District representative, said.

HB 8503 mandates that leaders of all governmental bodies, encompassing government-owned enterprises and local government units (LGUs), foster opportunities for their staff to actively participate in activities centered on “Marine Turtle Conservation and Protection Month.”

Furthermore, the legislation commissions the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to collaborate with pertinent governmental agencies, LGUs, and private stakeholders in formulating and executing an annual roster of activities. T

he DENR is also expected to enhance marine turtle awareness and data sharing, partnering with national agencies and LGUs to reinforce the bill’s enforcement.

Upon its enactment, the legislation will supplement existing measures, specifically Republic Act (RA) No. 9147, known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which already ensures the conservation and protection of wildlife species and their habitats in the Philippines.

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