Chevron, Partners Return Olive Ridley Turtle Hatchlings to the Sea after Batangas Cleanup
Chevron Philippines Inc., together with government agencies, community groups and private partners, has released 146 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings into open waters, marking another milestone in its long-running coastal conservation efforts at the Batangas terminal. The release comes five months after a large-scale shoreline cleanup helped restore the area as a safe nesting ground for the vulnerable marine species.
The cleanup activity, conducted last September, brought together around 250 volunteers from partner organizations including SRDC, CJI General Services Inc., 5G Security Inc., the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Municipal and City Environment and Natural Resources Offices, and Barangay Danglaya. The joint effort removed 232 sacks of trash from the coastline, significantly improving habitat conditions for sea turtles.
As the marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, Chevron Philippines said the initiative reflects its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems surrounding its operations. The company has also worked closely with local government units and environmental offices to conduct conservation training and safeguard nesting sites during the turtles’ mating and hatching seasons.
Despite being the most abundant sea turtle species, the olive ridley remains at high risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to illegal trade, egg consumption, plastic pollution and coastal development. Marine debris, particularly plastics and microplastics, poses a serious threat as turtles can ingest or become entangled in waste, while expanding coastal infrastructure continues to shrink available nesting areas.
Chevron said its sustained cleanup and conservation programs have contributed to boosting the local turtle population. Since organizing regular coastal cleanups at the Batangas terminal beginning in 2007, more than 4,000 turtle hatchlings have been recorded as of January 2026. In addition to annual activities, the company conducts smaller, routine cleanups to prevent waste buildup along the shore.
The company plans to continue collaborating with local communities, government agencies and private partners to support future environmental initiatives aimed at marine biodiversity protection. Chevron emphasized that long-term conservation success depends on consistent action and collective responsibility.
“The success of our yearly coastal cleanups shows that environmental stewardship doesn’t happen overnight. It needs to be cultivated through unwavering commitment and collaboration with like-minded partners,” said CPI Lead Corporate Affairs Advisor Atty. Raissa Bautista.
