FROM INSPIRATION TO ACTION: CEZA STEPS UP SEA TURTLE PROTECTION

30 July 2025

In a strong show of leadership and environmental commitment, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) has taken a decisive step toward establishing a dedicated marine turtle conservation program within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP). The move follows a strategic benchmarking visit to the highly acclaimed Montemar Pawikan Conservation Site in Bagac, Bataan. An effort spearheaded by CEZA ACEO, Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile.

With the discovery of a leatherback sea turtle nesting site along the shores of Centro, Santa Ana, Cagayan, CEZA recognized both the urgency and the immense opportunity to protect one of the world’s most endangered marine species within its jurisdiction. This recent finding affirms the ecological significance of the Freeport’s coastal areas and further solidifies CEZA’s resolve to act, not just observe, in the realm of conservation.

“This benchmarking activity opens new doors for CEZA to adopt established conservation strategies that balance ecological preservation with community participation,” said Secretary Enrile. “We are committed to integrating these learnings into our own initiatives and creating a legacy of marine protection within the Cagayan Freeport Zone,” she added.

Visionary Leadership in Environmental Stewardship

More than a technical exercise, the benchmarking activity underscores CEZA’s broader vision: to transform the Cagayan Freeport Zone into a model of sustainability and ecological responsibility in Northern Luzon. By studying the successful program of Montemar Beach Club Inc., which has run its community-based Pawikan Conservation Program since 2004, CEZA gains a proven framework to launch its own efforts with clarity and confidence.

The Urgency and Ecological Importance of Cagayan’s Role

The presence of Dermochelys Coriacea, or the leatherback sea turtle in CEZA’s coastal areas signals a high conservation value that must be safeguarded. As one of the largest and most critically endangered marine turtles globally, the leatherback’s return to Cagayan shores positions CEZA as a vital frontline in the global fight to protect ocean biodiversity.

Community Involvement at the Heart of Conservation

Montemar’s program succeeds largely because of deep community engagement, turning former poachers into conservation allies and volunteers. CEZA’s Environmental Management Division (EMD) which led the benchmarking trip, plans to replicate this model by empowering locals to become active protectors of their marine environment. The Montemar team, including the dedicated volunteers of the Pag-Asa Pawikan Protection and Conservation Center Corp. (3P3C), shared actionable insights on nocturnal beach patrols, nest relocation, hatchling release, scientific tagging, and grassroots education.

From Inspiration to Action

CEZA is already laying the groundwork to adapt these best practices to the unique conditions of the Cagayan Freeport. Potential partnerships with Montemar and other stakeholders are being explored to support technical training, habitat protection efforts, and joint marine awareness programs. Far from being a one-off trip, this marks the beginning of a structured, long-term conservation agenda that integrates biodiversity protection into CEZA’s development blueprint.

With this milestone initiative, CEZA reaffirms its role not only as a catalyst of economic growth, but also as a guardian of Cagayan’s natural heritage. By protecting its nesting turtles and engaging its communities, CEZA contributes meaningfully to national and global conservation efforts—showing the world that sustainable development and ecological preservation can thrive side by side in the Cagayan Freeport Zone.

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