By Ernie B. Esconde
MORONG, Bataan, March 25 (PNA) — A visit to the Pawikan Conservation Center in the seaside village of Nagbalayong here is not only recreational but educational, too.
For only P20 per person, visitors will enjoy watching three sea turtles or “pawikan” of hawksville, green and olive ridley species swim in the small pond.
Guests will even be fortunate to try releasing to the sea day-old pawikan hatchlings like what Vicky Cui and companions from Manila experienced last Saturday, fortunate that baby sea turtles hatched the night before.
Visitors can enjoy swimming or merely watch the beautiful view from small improvised huts roofed with coconut leaves at the side of the West Philippines Sea.
One can go strolling through the wide sandy beach or ride a kayak for P200 an hour.
“It’s beautiful. We will come back here,” said Jessebel Pelayo, who was with a big group from Caloocan City.
Arthur Santos, member of the fishermen’s organization looking after the conservation center, was on hand to answer the queries of guests.
He also guided visitors in the release of the hatchlings.
Santos said that guests can also stay overnight with rooms for 10 persons at P3,500; 2-4 persons at P2,500 and good for 16 persons at P4,500.
The Bataan Tourism Council Foundation Inc., chaired by Vicky Garcia, mother of Governor Albert Garcia, is continuously assisting in the caring and promotion of the conservation center. (PNA)