The Seafront Pawikan Conservation Project reached a major milestone with the ribbon-cutting of its new pawikan hatchery on September 7, 2024, just in time for the upcoming nesting season in San Juan, Batangas. The ceremony was attended by Dr Lemnuel Aragones, Dr. Mayzonee Ligaray, Director for Research & Extension at UP IESM, and Ms. Isay Navarro, Research Assistant for the project along with representatives from Aboitiz Land and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. were also present. Local stakeholders, including vecinos (residents of Seafront), the Philippine Coast Guard, MENRO San Juan, and the San Juan Tourism Office, joined the event to show their support for the project’s efforts to boost pawikan conservation in the region.

In related news, the Seafront Pawikan Monitoring Guide, first released earlier this year, is now available online. This guide provides essential information on how to effectively monitor and protect pawikan populations along the coast. You can access the guide here.