Morong TUPAD workers take on new role as sea turtle protectors

Sixty-five individuals underwent the Orientation and Contract Signing for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program at the Tourism Heritage Cultural Center in Morong, Bataan, on 12 November 2025 — but this time, it’s not the usual job for TUPAD workers.

These 65 newly hired TUPAD workers will serve as Bantay Pawikan Patrollers, conducting night patrols to protect and help increase the population of sea turtles during their 37-day contract.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region III Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio and the local government of Morong, led by Mayor Leila Linao-Muñoz, spearheaded the orientation to provide beneficiaries with the necessary information and training on their duties and the benefits they will receive in exchange for their service to the community and the environment.

Part of their responsibility is to patrol the coastal areas at night, rescue sea turtle eggs, care for hatcheries at the Pawikan Conservation Center, and maintain the cleanliness of the shores, especially during nesting season when these marine animals lay their eggs.

Chief of Staff Rollie S. Rojas, representing Congresswoman Gila Garcia of the 3rd District of Bataan, expressed the lawmaker’s gratitude to Bantay Pawikan President Angeline Vigo, Vice President Nikko Ibias, Sagip Pawikan President Arnold Mendoza, Vice President Jeffrey San Juan, Treasurer Mharlo Mendoza, and Pawikan sa Damara President Buenvenido Samonte.

The congresswoman said the people of Morong can rest easy knowing that her office will continue to collaborate and create programs that provide temporary livelihood opportunities while promoting the protection and care of marine life, particularly sea turtles.

She also extended her thanks to the DOLE, led by Senior Labor and Employment Officer Eloisa Muli Mercado, PESO Officer Jocelyn Mañalac, MENRO John Vincent Abes, and the local government of Morong for their continued support.