• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Dauin town in Negros Oriental is being pushed as the Night Diving Capital of the Philippines.
House Bill 01752, authored by Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Janice Degamo, states that such declaration will not only give due recognition to Dauin’s thriving eco-tourism sector but will also further promote environmental awareness and economic growth in the Negros Island Region.
“It will also support the continuing conservation of its marine ecosystems, strengthen its tourism brand, and attract greater investment and scientific research into marine biodiversity,” the bill, now pending before the House Committee on Tourism, stressed.
Degamo said that Dauin is home to a “diverse array of marine life, including rare species of octopus, crustaceans, nudibranchs, and other nocturnal sea creatures that are best observed after sunset.”
Its black volcanic sand, coral gardens, and healthy reef ecosystems provide the perfect conditions for muck diving, macro photography, and marine life observation at night, the neophyte congresswoman said, noting that dive enthusiasts from around the world visit Dauin specifically for its guided night dives, considered among the best in Asia.
The Philippines is globally recognized as a premier diving destination, blessed with some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. “And among its many coastal gems, the municipality of Dauin has emerged as a unique and exceptional site, particularly for night diving, offering underwater experiences that are both breathtaking and ecologically significant. | CGC
