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According to the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, pawikans play a key role in promoting the ocean's health and biodiversity. But in the past 10 years, their population in the country has declined by 80 percent.

Good thing there are caretakers of sea turtles in Zambales who do it for a living.

Meet the Pawikan Rangers.

Biyahe Ni Drew featured this local group from the Pawicare Hatchery. The Pawikan Rangers were former poachers, the ones who collect and sell the eggs of sea turtles. Now, their work has transformed from selling pawikan eggs to taking care of them and welcoming tourists.

The vocation of Pawikan Rangers goes beyond ensuring the safety of marine turtles. Their mission in their pawikan protection program extends to maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

By helping the turtles, they are also doing the other sea creatures a favor.

“Sa mga area ng coral reefs, gardener [ang pawikan]. Iti-trim niya 'yung sea grass kung saan nangingitlog yung mga isda.

"Ngayon kung malagong malago yung mga sea grass, 'pag malaki yung tide eh 'di magsi-swing nang swing 'yun. Hindi 'yun friendly sa fisheries,” said the Pawicare Hatchery briefer.

The job of the Pawikan Rangers is simple. First, they gather the eggs of sea turtles, burry them in the sand, and label the expected hatching dates. After the baby turtles emerge from their eggshells, the Pawikan Rangers move them into a big pail filled water to adapt in the new environment.

When the pawikans reach the right age, the Pawikan Rangers release them to the sea.

Tourists can partake in this activity especially during the months of October to March when sea turtles come out of the water to lay eggs. This activity can also help the Pawikan Rangers when tourists give them donations.

You can find the Pawikan Rangers in Yaman Pawikan - Pawicare Hatchery in Purok 5, Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales.