THE fun diving activity of the first Samal Dive Festival in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte proved to be a success with around 70 scuba divers, both local and foreign dive enthusiasts from Manila and other parts of Mindanao, participating in the event last May 28 to 29, 2022.
The divers, with licenses ranging from open water certification, advanced open water divers, dive masters, and rescue divers, explored Samal Island's emerging dive sites, such as Marissa 3 and Captains One Way, on the first day of the festival.
They were also introduced to new dive sites, including Ligid Dako and Aundanao on the second day.
The fun dive activity of the Samal Dive Festival, held last May 25 to May 29, was organized by the Department of Tourism Region (DOT-Davao Region) and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
The event, a part of Igacos' Summer Saya sa Isla 2022, is aimed to promote the island as a prime diving destination in Mindanao and in the Philippines, as well as to build camaraderie and partnerships among dive stakeholders in the region.
"Igacos is currently our region's top tourist destination for sun and beach, and for diving. With the island's rich marine biodiversity and accessibility from Davao City, it is a top diving destination not only in the region but also in Mindanao", DOT-Davao Region Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan.
Like other tourism sectors, the diving industry suffered immensely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, thus, the Samal Dive Festival endeavors to jumpstart the scuba diving operations in the island.
The two-day dive activity was conducted in partnership with Davao-based dive shops, including Carabao Dive Center, Kostal Dive Resort, Prodive Davao, Scubaqua, and South Shore Divers, which offered promotional packages for the participating divers.
The event was supported by the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PSCSSD), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Maritime Police, ensuring safety and security of the divers.
Apart from the fun dive, a one-day Dive Forum for Igacos locals was held last May 25, wherein participants were oriented on the different diving destinations in Samal, the livelihood opportunities in the scuba diving industry, and the importance of marine protection for sustainability.
From May 26 to 27, DOT-Davao Region, through the Tourism Industry Skills Program, also conducted an Underwater Photography Training for licensed scuba divers, and a Dive Underwater Photography Exhibit, which was simultaneously opened to the public.
With the success of the activity, DOT-Davao Region and Igacos plan to make the Samal Dive Festival a yearly activity under the island's summer tourism campaign. (PR)