Mindananaotoday.com | DOT-10 fosters strengthened, sustainable dive tourism
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of Best Dives Philippines Week, January 8-14, the Department of Tourism-10 (DOT-10) continues to conduct activities that aim to improve diving tourism in northern Mindanao, including programs and initiatives to boost environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.
“Dili lang ni diving ang atong gina-highlight, ang food and destinations, but also our Filipino brand of service and the hospitality of northern Mindanao,” said Marie Elaine Unchuan, DOT-10 regional director, during the Lambo Dyes radio program, January 20.
(It’s not only diving that we’re trying to highlight—the food and destinations, but also our Filipino brand of service and the hospitality of northern Mindanao)
To further promote dive tourism in the region, DOT-10 gave birth to Dive NorthMin, where they collaborate with the region’s local government units to hold dive seminars and training, coastal clean-ups, and dive photography contests. One of which was showcased at the Camiguin Dive Festival in December 2022.
Dive surveys and awareness programs are also conducted in communities with underlying potential for dive sites.
“Pareha raman sad ning diving sa driving, kinahanglan pa gyud ka magtuon before ka muadto (It’s the same with diving and driving, you need to learn first before you go),” Unchuan said.
Since diving requires physical effort, she tells people with health problems to get a doctor’s okay before trying it.
Local divers and tour guides can also take part in the tourism industry skills program, which focuses on helping the community improve its way of life and get back on its feet economically after the pandemic.
Aside from boosting local tourism, environmental conservation and protection of marine life, coral reefs, and aquatic resources are the utmost priorities of DOT-10. Thus, in every activity like a dive festival, they also hold the “Scubasurero,” or collection of trash during the diving activity. (GKD | PIA-10)
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