LOVE DIVING: DOT launches Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas

The inaugural Philippine Dive Experience was formally launched with the symbolic Banging of Air Tanks, led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and esteemed members of the diplomatic corps in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, on Thursday, 27 November 2024. The event reinforced the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for diving and marine biodiversity exploration.exploration.

The tourism chief was joined by high-ranking diplomats including South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lee Sang Hwa, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines H.E F.M Borhan Uddin, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Lao-PDR Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Malik Melvin, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Catherine McIntosh, Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Philippines H.E Chanaka Talpahewa, Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Tull Traisorat, Vietnam Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lai Binh

The event also welcomed representatives from Cambodia, China, France, Indonesia, and the United States.

This celebration marked a banner year for Philippine diving, as the country was named World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. Additional accolades included Best Dive Destination at the TripZilla Excellence Awards and Best Diving Destination at the Diving Resort Travel Show.

Participants explored Anilao’s vibrant underwater seascape, including the LOVE Reef, an artificial reef created through community-driven conservation efforts. Non-divers were introduced to the beauty of the Philippines' marine life through guided scuba experiences.

The event also emphasized sustainable tourism, with a coastal cleanup at Anilao Pier reinforcing the Department of Tourism’s commitment to environmental conservation.