Davao Light and Power Company

Last April 10, 2021, a rehabilitated sea turtle was released back to the sea after it was housed at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park for almost five years.

 

The turtle is a female Olive Ridley Turtle that was rescued and turned over by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI on August 18, 2016 to Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. The turtle was named 'Turtle Kadayawan' since it was turned over when the city was celebrating the week-long Kadayawan Festival.

 

At that time, the turtle was in need of treatment and proper veterinary care after her assessment revealed that she keeps on floating and would not submerge - an indicator that she has problems.

 

Turtle Kadayawan's rehabilitation took quite a while but finally, last Saturday, she was released after being declared as fully recovered and cleared by the vet in coordination with DENR XI. DENR XI tagged Kadayawan by her official name, PH0558K, and is now free to explore the ocean again.

 

Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., an AboitizPower subsidiary, who manages the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park together with the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., led the release with no less than its President and COO, Rodger Velasco together with DENR XI and Barangay Matina Aplaya representatives.

“The release of Turtle Kadayawan is definitely a rare treat. To be able to see her recover and released back to her home after how many years of treatment is truly fulfilling. We are very happy to be part of her journey to recovery,” Velasco said. Davao Light hopes to see Kadayawan back in the park again but this time to lay eggs.

 

There are also four (4) more turtles at the park’s conservation area namely, Cuaco, Babak, Sta. Cruz, and Panabo. These turtles were named after the places where they were rescued. Currently, they are being treated and will eventually be released back to the sea after they recover.