The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Cebu, NMP Zoology Division, and the City Government of Bogo in Cebu are now working closely together for the preservation of the remains of a Leatherback sea turtle. 

The deceased Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) was found along the coastal waters of Barangay Nailon in Bogo City, northern Cebu Province.

Classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the Leatherback sea turtle was reported to have been entangled accidentally in a fishing net, and resulted in death.

“It is estimated that fishing practices contribute to the deaths of thousands of sea turtles each year. This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for increased awareness of responsible fishing practices to protect marine life,” NMP Cebu said in a post on its official social media page on May 16, 2025 in time for the Endangered Species Day. 

“We extend our thanks to Bogo City Mayor Atty. Carlo Jose Martinez, City Administrator Antonieto Suico, Bogo City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) officer in charge, Atty. Kenn Orat; City of Bogo Bantay Dagat, City of Bogo Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, fisherfolk of Barangay Nailon, and Mrs. Leonida Jusay for their cooperation and valuable assistance,” NMP Cebu added. 

On May 23, 2025, NMP joined the World Turtle Day celebration.

"We are shell-ebrating World Turtle Day," NMP Cebu said. 

"#YourNationalMuseumCebu is one with the world in celebrating #WorldTurtleDay today, May 23, 2025. This annual celebration aims to raise awareness about turtles and tortoises and the need for their conservation and protection. Sea turtles are migratory species, and one of their favorite travel migration routes and breeding and feeding grounds is the coastal waters of #Cebu, particularly those within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS),” NMP Cebu pointed out.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VII, sightings of sea turtles, such as the Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), are common in Moalboal, Samboan, Santander, and Bantayan Island. 

NMP Cebu cited that Tañon Strait, which separates the islands of Negros and Cebu, is the biggest Marine Protected Area in the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). 

“It encompasses vast areas of coral reefs and mangroves, and is an important habitat for a large number of marine life. With most of the species of sea turtles being classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered to critically endangered, we hope that we do our part in protecting and conserving these marine lives and their habitats. We can do small, doable actions, such as reducing plastic use and supporting conservation efforts,” NMP Cebu further shared.