The local government unit of Negros Oriental led by Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria expressed gratitude to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for putting up a Hyperbaric Chamber Center in the province.
“With everything that has happened, what we have achieved today is such a big milestone not only for Dauin but for the whole province of Negros Oriental,” Sagarbarria said.
Meanwhile, 2nd District Representative Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria described the initiative as a “dream come true” for him.
“It’s divine intervention that all of a sudden, my dream again [came] true.”
“What could I say? It’s divine intervention that all of a sudden, my dream again [came] true. We have now a Hyperbaric Chamber that is going to be here in Dauin,” the lawmaker said.
Aimed at elevating the country’s dive tourism portfolio, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, together with the officials of Negros Oriental, led the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Hyperbaric Chamber Center in Dauin town, home to the famous Apo Island.
The facility’s groundbreaking, located in Poblacion District 1 in Dauin, marks an important step in the DOT’s initiative to elevate the country’s dive tourism portfolio and Philippine scuba diving safety standards to an international level.
“Being one of the most beloved dive spots in the world is Dauin, Negros Oriental, host to Apo Island and neighbor to Zamboanguita, as well as the rest of the beautiful island of Negros Oriental, nakita nato nga aron nga mas masuportahan pa nato ang dive tourism sa Pilipinas,” Frasco said.
Dauin, home to the renowned Apo Island, is part of the DOT’s Dive 7 Circuit and has long been a prime destination for divers seeking world-class underwater experiences.
“If the government conveys that it is investing in the safety of the destination, and the sustainability of the destination, the rest will follow.”
“That is why it is very important for us to invest in the sustainability of the dive industry and the safety of our tourists and our divers. This is exactly what we are doing here today with the groundbreaking of the hyperbaric chamber center for Dauin. We foresee that the marketability and attractiveness of Dauin, its neighboring dive sites, and the entire Province of Negros Oriental will only increase, and not only will we bring in more tourists into the country, we will also invite more tourism investments. Because if the government conveys that it is investing in the safety of the destination, and the sustainability of the destination, the rest will follow,” the tourism chief explained.
Also at the event were Municipality of Dauin officials led by Mayor Galicano Truita and his wife Maria Carmen Truita; Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo; the wife of Representative Sagarbarria, Dumaguete City Vice Mayor Ma. Isabel “Maisa” Sagarbarria; Negros Oriental Board Member Woodrow Makiling, Sr., Board Member and Canlaon City Councilor Angel Amador-Soliva, Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism Board Executive Director Woodrow Makiling, Jr., Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du, tourism association and business leaders, dive tourism industry stakeholders, accredited tour guides of Negros Oriental, and members of the media.
Also present are DOT Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Lozada, PCSSD Executive Director Marco Ancheta, DOT-7 Regional Director Judy Gabato, PCSSD Board of Trustee Member Bo Mancao, and Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Department Manager Marilou Cantacio, representing GM Roberto Zozobrado.
