La Union city sets free 54 baby turtles

Photo courtesy of Mary Jane Ortega

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – Residents of Dalumpinas Oeste village released 54 sea turtle hatchlings to the sea in San Fernando City, La Union province on Saturday.

The sea turtle is an endangered species so the residents immediately set the tiny sea creatures free before the turtles expire due to the heat, said Mary Jane Ortega, the former San Fernando mayor.

The hatchlings excited Dalumpinas Oeste because it was the only nest found this year.

READ: In seaside village, turtles VIP visitors

In 2014, villagers found 14 nests. Last year, they found only four nests with 385 hatchlings.

Villagers attribute the dwindling nests to human activity and changing climate. IDL