The Department of Tourism (DOT) is currently marketing the Philippines as an ideal diving hub in Asia by highlighting its numerous dive spots for beginners and professional divers who are inclined to underwater photography.

DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said that, “Part of our commitment is to make sure that we promote the Philippines as a whole to the international diving community and more specifically to look at two segments that we feel we have a distinct advantage in: underwater photography and beginner divers.”

Bengzon said he is optimistic the market for dive tourism will further grow with the year-round free diving opportunities in the country.

United Kingdom-based DIVE Magazine had cited the best dive spots in the Philippines including the Dimakya Island in Palawan; Donsol, Sorsogon; Dauin in Negros Oriental; Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Galera in Mindoro; Anilao in Batangas; Malapascua in Cebu; Coron Bay in Palawan; and the Tubbataha Reef, often called the diving Mecca in the Philippines.

Aside from these popular sites, the DOT shared emerging dive spots in Samal and Talikud Island in Davao del Norte, as well as Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao.

In an interview, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the agency plans to strengthen the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving in a bid to market the country as an ideal dive hub in Asia.

This, while making sure policies are in place to protect all destinations being promoted in the country.