DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism Region 7 (DOT7) has launched the “DIVE7 Festival” in the province showcasing Negros Oriental’s rich diving destinations from July 28 to 31.

In a press statement, Provincial Sr. Tourism Operations Officer Myla Abellana said the municipalities of Zamboanguita and Dauin, which are specifically the venue of the DIVE7 Festival, are expected to draw hundreds of Philippine and international scuba divers and enthusiasts.

The festival, developed as part of DOT7’s DIVE7 program, is expected to receive divers on “revenge tourism” after enduring restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Abellana.

It kicks off along the Zamboanguita coastline and closes in Dauin.

Underwater and beach clean-ups will be done in both municipalities.

Participants may take diving lessons from any of the certified dive instructors through Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving Accredited Dive Shops, the lists of which are provided also on-site at the event.

The mermaiding experience or scuba lessons with full face mask will also be available for the first 14 participants, free of charge.

Highlighting the festival is an underwater photography contest envisioned to capture the marine kaleidoscope that has flourished over the two-year hiatus.

The competition is open to amateur and professional underwater lensmen of all nationalities, provided that the participant is residing in the Philippines at the time of registration.

Participants can keep their shutters going throughout the duration of the multi-activity event.

All entries must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on July 31.

Various subjects and concepts will be showcased in the competition, including nudibranchs, swimming with the turtles, frogfish, wide seascapes and marinelife behavior, in the open and compact camera categories.

Photos of people with purpose, featuring practices that benefit the reef, community or tourism, especially awareness and advocacy actions may also be submitted under their specific competition category.

Cooperating with the DOT7 for the Dive Festival are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Province of Negros Oriental, Zamboanguita and Dauin municipalities, Zamboanguita Diving and Leisure Resorts Association (ZDLRA), Negros Oriental Dive Association (NORDA), and Dauin Resorts Association (DRA). (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from DOT7)