MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-10 collaborate to promote the dive tourism industry as they continue to explore the top dive sites the province has to offer, aiming to boost awareness-building and development.
With the 'Dive NorMin-Misamis Oriental' recently concluding its third-year festivity, Provincial Tourism Officer Jeffrey Saclot lauded the tourism department for the initiative and programs implemented that paved the way for the province to be recognized in the dive tourism industry not just locally but internationally.
“This is also an excellent opportunity for us to discover the diving potential of Misamis Oriental like [in] Gingoog City, Medina, Balingoan, and Agutayan Island. And we hope to also discover the beautiful underwater scenery in Languindingan, even in Initao,” Saclot said
Harboring vast marine life like small marine creatures and even sightings of treasure sharks, turtles, and even dolphins makes the province's waters an ideal dive tourism spot that can entice not just local divers but also international dive photographers and enthusiasts.
Hurdling challenges
Despite the dive tourism in Misamis Oriental slowly setting its pace in the tourism industry both locally and internationally, Saclot shared that there are still challenges to be faced to boost the dive tourism in the province, such as the Laguindingan Airport being fully functional as an international airport.
“If we are looking forward to having international divers, there is a need for our facilities to be ready like airports, and we are also looking forward to the Laguindingan Airport being upgraded into an International Airport,” he said
Saclot also shared that there is a good development in terms of elevating the status of the airport to be considered as an International Airport with the joint effort of the legislative representatives and governor of Misamis Oriental to follow up its funding status, not just in the office of the Department of Transportation, but in the Regional Development Council as well.
He reiterated that if the airport is fully functional as an international airport, more international tourists will be enticed to visit Misamis Oriental, thus providing more job opportunities for Misamisnons in terms of the tourism industry.
Aside from the concerns in the airport, the tourism office is now encouraging more potential stakeholders to become dive operators to cater to more dive enthusiasts and dive photographers, especially since their office plans to expand dive tourism in the province's second district, such as Laguindingan and Initao.
“If we expand in the western side, especially in Laguindingan and Initao, we hope to really come out with numbers of dive operators. This dive fest is an opportunity to encourage potential dive operators to establish here in Misamis Oriental,” he added.
The PGMO is pleased with the positive progress achieved through DOT-10's efforts in promoting Dive Tourism. This initiative has not only opened its door to employment opportunities for locals in the province but has also contributed to the continued growth of the tourism industry in Misamis Oriental.
They are also urging potential stakeholders to explore the possibility of becoming dive operators in the province. (JAKA/PIA10)
