Help save the endangered pawikan

MANILA, Philippines - Palawan’s best-kept secret, Arena Island in the town of Narra invites everyone to help spread awareness of its conservation efforts for the endangered pawikan or native sea turtles by joining its “Click to Save” Facebook contest. Participants get the chance to have a free vacation on the island.

Facebook users just need to “Like” Arena Island’s fan page (www.facebook.com/arenaisland) and change his or her profile picture to one of Arena’s campaign badges.

Choose from “Rescue me from becoming a belt or shoe”, “Save us from turning into soup”, and other statements committing support for pawikan conservation. Tag five friends in the profile picture and have them “Like” Arena’s FB fan page too. The campaign runs until May 31, 2012.

The FB contest aims to generate at least 5,000 “Likes” that will be considered online supporters of the Island’s pawikan advocacy. To reward advocates for reaching its 5,000th online supporter, an electronic raffle will be held on June 1, 2012. The raffle winner will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to the Arena Island for three days and two nights.

Home to the five species of the world’s endangered sea turtles, Arena Island is mainly a refuge for the green turtles, leatherbacks, and hawksbill turtles. Its advocacy program, Pugad Pawikan Pilipinas, seeks to ensure their protection and conservation.

According to Louie Morales, Arena Island marketing director, “Let us grow the numbers of people who will care for the pawikans. Join us in strengthening Pugad Pawikan.”

For his part, Arena Island owner and director Fuji Rodriguez said, “We want more people from all walks of life to share our love for pawikans. No better place to know more about these lovely creatures that are currently considered as endangered species than on Arena Island where we take care of them from eggs to turtles.”

Not your usual island getaway, Arena Island combines its environmental advocacy with rest and recreation in its four-hectare island with untouched white-sand beach, a variety of trees that are home to endemic birds, luxurious private casitas, big pavilions for groups, and alfresco dining areas, among other island treats. For more details, log on to www.arenaisland.com or visit http://arenaisland.blogspot.com.