SAN NARCISO’S 11TH PAWIKAN FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY EFFORT

READ ABOUT THE 11TH ANNUAL PAWIKAN FESTIVAL IN SAN NARCISO, ZAMBALES, A CELEBRATION OF EFFORTS TO PROTECT SEA TURTLES AGAINST POACHING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS, WHERE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, STUDENTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, AND MILITARY PERSONNEL CAME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT NESTING SITE PRESERVATION, HATCHLING RELEASES, AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MARINE PROTECTION INITIATIVES.

The 11th annual Pawikan Festival took place last January 17, 2025, in the coastal town of San Narciso, Zambales, bringing the community together to champion the conservation of endangered Olive ridley sea turtles. Held every second Friday of January, the festival highlights the crucial role these marine creatures play in the ecosystem and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

This year’s event saw enthusiastic participation from schools across San Narciso, including representatives from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) and members of the Navy Corps. Together, they celebrated the occasion by shedding light on the continuous conservation work being done, particularly at the nesting sites along La Paz Beach.

The festival’s origins date back to December 28, 2013, when Katimpuyog Zambales Inc., in partnership with the Pawikan Rangers, organized the first-ever celebration. Interestingly, their president, Reynaldo Renaliza Sr. shared that many of these Pawikan Rangers were once poachers, but they have since transformed into passionate protectors of these sea turtles. Today, their dedication ensures that Olive Ridley turtle eggs and hatchlings are safeguarded. Every night, they patrol the shores, carefully collecting eggs, relocating them to secure environments, and monitoring their release back into the ocean. In the event that an injured turtle tries to dig through the sand and is having a hard time, the rangers help them by making sure they can still dig the perfect circle they need for their eggs.

The Olive ridley sea turtle, or Lepidochelys olivacea, is highly sensitive to light and movement. These turtles prefer  nesting under the cover of darkness, carefully selecting safe spots for their eggs. The pawikan season typically runs from October to March of the following year with eggs undergoing an incubation period of 45-52 days down on the sand. The Pawicare hatchery plays a critical role in this process, meticulously collecting and documenting the eggs before transferring them to a controlled environment where they can develop safely.

Beyond being a vibrant cultural event, the Pawikan Festival is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting natural habitats and the marine life that depends on them. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Pawikan Rangers, more hatchlings now have a fighting chance to reach the sea. Their nightly patrols help safeguard eggs from poachers and other threats, reinforcing the significance of grassroots conservation efforts.

One of the most touching moments of the festival is the ceremonial release of hatchlings into the ocean—a symbol of hope and renewal. As students, environmentalists, and military men gathered along La Paz Beach, they watched the tiny turtles make their way to the water, the fruit to months of dedicated care. Against the backdrop of the setting sun over La Paz beach, this collective effort to protect sea turtles reflects a deeper commitment to preserving the delicate balance of our marine ecosystem. With continued collaboration and advocacy, the legacy of the Pawikan Festival will endure, ensuring a brighter future for both sea turtles and the environment they call home.