Bontoc Campus produces new PADI-certified scuba divers
A group of aspiring divers recently took a plunge into the depths of the sea as they completed their training and earned their PADI certifications.
In this batch, a total of twelve trainees, consisting of nine students and one alumna with a degree in Marine Biology, as well as one student and one alumnus with a degree in Fisheries, underwent an intensive scuba diving training program at Southern Leyte State University-Bontoc Campus.
This comprehensive training encompassed various scuba diving skills and lessons, all conducted under the expert guidance of professional diving instructors from Plongeurs du Monde (Divers of the World)-France.
The successful execution of this scuba diving training initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts between Southern Leyte State University, Plongeurs Du Monde-France, Sogod Bay Scuba Resort in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, and the Provincial Tourism, Investment, and Promotions Office of the Province of Southern Leyte.
Plongeurs du Monde (Divers of the World) is a non-governmental organization of International Solidarity based in France, who supports sustainable development in different countries by training people in sub-aquatic activities, helping individuals to obtain economic independence by obtaining a diploma as diving professional, and developing awareness of the marine environment and its protection.
The aspiring scuba divers received their certificates of completion as Open and Advanced Open Water Divers (PADI) at SLSU-Main Campus on June 14, 2023.
Present at the awarding ceremony were SLSU's Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes; the Plongeurs Du Monde team headed by Mr. Laurent Martin; Mr. Nedgar Garvez from the Southern Leyte Provincial Tourism, Investment and Promotions Office; and Ms. Darlene Mcguirre of Sogod Bay Scuba Resort. Also present in the awarding ceremony is Hon. Board Member, Ms. Myra C. Rentuza of the Second District, Southern Leyte, and some officials from SLSU-Bontoc Campus.
For the new licensed scuba divers, this training program not only marks a significant step in their academic endeavors but also provides more opportunity and career prospects in aquatic sciences.
Previously, this same training produced 14 licensed scuba divers from SLSU-Bontoc Campus with 12 BS Marine Biology students, and two faculty from the BS Fisheries program.
SLSU-Bontoc Campus, with the College of Aquatic and Applied Life Sciences, has been actively providing various opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and other clientele, particularly in the field of fisheries and aquatic sciences.
This collaboration has further strengthened the university's commitment to promoting marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
The Southern Leyte State U and its partners are very optimistic that this initiative will continue to flourish, creating a lasting impact on Southern Leyte's marine resources, sustainable tourism and diving.
