OUR STORY
In the golden light of a March sunset, a small group of shipping personnel and their families traded their usual environment of vessels and cargo for the soft sands of Bataan’s coastline. This wasn’t just another corporate outing—it was a mission of conservation that would connect an international shipping company to one of the world’s most vulnerable marine species.
On March 22, 2025, TM Shipping Aps sponsored a CSR activity through Green Heart Foundation. Employees and their families gathered at the Pawikan Conservation Center in Morong, Bataan to participate in a noble activity that would have a direct impact on the survival of endangered sea turtles, locally known as “pawikan.”
“We spend our careers navigating the world’s oceans,” said Soeren Laerke. “Today, we’re giving back to the very waters that sustain our small and humble business.”
The team arrived at the conservation center after battling heavy traffic from Quezon City, but their spirits remained high. They were warmly welcomed by Executive Manager Angeline Vigo, who would guide them through this meaningful experience.
The conservation center staff led a comprehensive tour of the hatchery site, explaining how the facility protects turtle eggs from poachers and predators. The TM Shipping team listened intently as they learned about the life cycle of sea turtles—from egg laying to the perilous journey hatchlings make to the ocean.
As twilight approached, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The TM Shipping team gathered around shallow containers holding tiny olive ridley turtle hatchlings, each no bigger than a child’s palm. Despite it being near the end of nesting season, the conservation center had prepared 500 hatchlings for release—twice more than the initially planned 250.
The beach fell silent as participants carefully carried the hatchlings to the shoreline. Following the conservationists’ instructions, they placed the baby turtles on the sand several meters from the water, allowing them to make their crucial first journey to the sea on their own.
“This imprinting process is essential,” one of the conservationists explained. “It helps the females remember this beach so they can return to nest when they mature.”
The group watched in awe as the tiny creatures instinctively scurried toward the waves, their flippers leaving delicate tracks in the sand. Each successful entry into the ocean was met with quiet cheers from the TM Shipping team.
Activity
The activity aimed to fulfill the company’s commitment to environmental conservation through pawikan hatchling program and to gain knowledge about sea turtle conservation efforts. Upon arrival, the team coordinated with Executive Manager Angeline Vigo, who facilitated the afternoon’s activities. The participants were given a comprehensive guided tour of the hatchery site, where they learned about the facility’s operations and conservation practices. This was followed by an informative orientation session on the life cycle of pawikans (sea turtles) and the various conservation efforts being implemented to protect these endangered marine species. The highlight of the event was the release of 500 pawikan hatchlings into the ocean, providing the team with a hands-on experience in marine conservation. The activity successfully combined educational components with direct conservation action, allowing TM Shipping Aps to make a tangible contribution to environmental preservation while strengthening its partnership with the Green Heart Foundation and the Pawikan Conservation Center.
Volunteers
1. Soeren Laerke
2. Jesus Domingo
3. Joseph Deo Failogna
4. Agnes Asuncion and Family
5. Leonardo Permale Jr. and Family
6. Jamaica de Peralta
7. Florie Viernes
8. Renel Ramos
9. Dr. Rosela S. Ramos
Recipients
Pawikan Conservation Center
Funds and Resources
Php 59,315.00 sponsored by TM Shipping Aps
1 coordinator -Green Heart Foundation
Recognition
TM Shipping APS (Certificate of Donation)
TM Shipping APS (Certificate of Recognition)
Social Media Content
What went well
The activity achieved perfect timing as the team met their 5:00 PM target, enabling 500 pawikan hatchlings to be released during sunset when they naturally follow the sun’s reflection on water, significantly enhancing their chances of survival.
What went wrong
N/A
What we learned
The activity taught participants about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their role in the ecosystem, the threats they face, the value of corporate social responsibility, and the impact of teamwork in conservation, all while creating a strong emotional connection during the hatchling release.
What we will improve next time
We will schedule CSR activity on the month of January where great number of hatchlings are produced.