Bataan Tourist Spot

                                                               Pawikan Festival

The Pawikan Festival in Bataan is not only a celebration but is also a campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for sea turtles.

Colorful street dances and events like pageants and art exhibits are typical funfare for Filipino festivals, usually in honor of a patron saint. A festival in honor of pawikans (marine turtles), though, is not usually heard of. Held every November during the pawikan nesting season in Bataan, locals celebrate the Pawikan Festival not just for colorful merrymaking but also to raise awareness on the endangered pawikans.

The long stretch of beach in Morong, Bataan is a nesting ground for turtles. The Municipality of Morong has undertaken the gargantuan task of protecting these turtles from poachers and has built a festival around it. This is in line with their advocacy of educating  the majority in the aspect of environmental awareness and protectionism for endangered sea turtles.