A joint sea turtle hatchling release and coastal clean-up was held at Immanuel Beach, Sitio Block 4, Barangay Baluno, Isabela City, Basilan on November 10, 2026, bringing together the Local Government Unit of Isabela City and the Philippine Coast Guard Station Isabela in a shared marine conservation effort.
LGU Leads Initiative Under Mayor Turabin-Hataman
The activity was led by the Isabela City LGU under Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, with Coast Guard Station (CGS) Isabela providing operational support under Station Commander LTJG Al-Ajim H. Hadjili PCG, according to a Facebook post published by Coast Guard Station Isabela on November 10, 2026.
Mobile Team Oversees Safe Handling at Immanuel Beach
CGS Isabela deployed the Coast Guard Mobile Team (CGMT) Eastern Isabela (Baluno), headed by PO3 Alfayed A. Adjijil PCG, to represent the station at the event, the Facebook post stated.
Beach Imprinting Critical to Hatchling Survival
CGMT Eastern Isabela noted that the hatchlings were released and permitted to imprint on their natal beach — a natural process.
The Philippine Coast Guard explained that beach imprinting allows hatchlings to recognise the shoreline where they were born, enabling them to return to that same location to nest once they reach sexual maturity.
PCG iCARE Program Frames Agency's Role
CGS Isabela's participation in the event is part of the Philippine Coast Guard's iCARE program (Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement), the station said in its post.
The event brought together government agencies, local stakeholders, and coastal residents in a coordinated effort to protect marine biodiversity and conserve endangered marine species, according to Coast Guard Station Isabela.
Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Station Isabela / Philippine Coast Guard Facebook
Source: Coast Guard Station Isabela / Philippine Coast Guard