Nestled within the waves and sands of Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union, a remarkable story unfolds — a story of transformation embodied by an individual: a pawikan poacher turned patroller.
Meet Jessie Cabagbag, born and raised in a coastal community in La Union where pawikan (sea turtle) poaching was a generational tradition. "Namanak daytoy talento nga panagbirok iti pawikan iti angkan mi. Ti pamilya mi ket puro nga mangngalap ken agnanaed iti igid ti kabaybayan" (I inherited the skill of searching for sea turtles from my family. We are a family of fishermen since we live in a coastal community). Admittingly, he said, that they used their skill to poach and slaughter pawikan for food. Also, they believed that consuming pawikan eggs contributes to their wellbeing.
In 2016, Jessie learned about CURMA (Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions) and his perception on pawikan gradually shifted. They learned that poaching pawikan was against the RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
Jessie transitioned from being part of the problem to becoming an advocate for change. He abandoned his former practices and encouraged his fellow fisherfolk to stop poaching pawikan. Because of his efforts, Jessie received a Most Outstanding Fisherfolk Award, and their Association, Assosasyon ti Mangngalap Ken Mannalon iti Baroro Bacnotan La Union Incorporated, received Gawad Pagkilala Award from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)–Region 1.
He is proud to say that in their Barangay in Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union, there are no more illegal poachers of pawikan. As a leader in their fisherfolk association, he also encouraged his fellow fishers to advocate and take part in the protection and conservation of sea turtles. He is fully convinced to use his skills in protecting these keystone species. His transformation is a demonstration of redemption as he commits to safeguard the sea turtles and redefined his own legacy, their family's legacy–an embodiment of hope for the La Union's ecosystem.
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"kapag nawala ang pawikan, mawawala din ang mga isda, at kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda,"
Ms. Milagros Celeste, President of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIFCARE), highlighted the importance of sea turtles as keystone species, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life. The protection of sea turtles and their habitats goes beyond their survival. By ensuring the safety of pawikan, we are also ensuring the preservation of our marine and coastal resources and the communities whose livelihood depends on the bounty of the sea.
Sea turtles, also known as pawikan, are considered keystone species. Keystone species are those organisms whose presence or absence significantly affects the structure and function of the ecosystems in which they live. The absence of a keystone species can trigger a series of consequences, affecting the entire ecosystem.
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The Pawikan Conservation Orientation Training was held last Oct. 17, 2023 at the CURMA Sanctuary. It is the activities of the "Strengthening Good Governance and Multi-stakeholder Collaboration in FMA 6, Coastal and Marine Areas of the West Philippine Sea" implemented by the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation under the INSPIRE Project.
