VIDEO: For the love of pawikans

MANILA, Philippines – This is a story of the pawikans of Morong, Bataan and those who continue to fight for their protection and survival. This is a story of hope and change.

Pawikans are hunted by poachers who roam the shores at night for their meat and eggs to be sold in the market place. But there are those who choose to protect them and give them a chance to survive.

Manolo Ibias or Ka Manolo was once a poacher. He supported his family by selling the eggs of the pawikans for a few pesos. He later on learned the value of pawikans and decided to push for an advocacy to protect the sea creatures.

Together with his team at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan, and with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, NGOs and Anvaya Cove, they created a place where pawikans can safely lay their eggs and guide hatchlings out to the sea. 

Watch the video featuring different individuals who are passionate about the protection and survival of the pawikans.

With their efforts, they create awareness and inform people of the importance of the pawikans to our ecosystem. Anvaya Cove has also trained some of their employees to take care of the nests found on their beach to protect the hatchlings.

This is their advocacy. –Rappler.com