SLSU Bontoc Certifies 14 PDM trainees as Advanced Open Water Divers
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus through its sustained partnership with Plongeurs du Monde (PDM), a non-governmental organization of International Solidarity, along with the Sogod Bay SCUBA Resort (SBSR) and the Provincial Investment & Promotions Office- Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the Batch IV Open Water to Advanced Open Water Diver Course from September 30 to October 11, 2024. Held at the Sogod Bay SCUBA Resort in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, the program trained 14 participants, equipping them with advanced diving skills and experience in one of the region's premier diving locations.
The 14 PDM trainees included a diverse group of students and alumni from SLSU Bontoc. Representing the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) program was Marvelita Rin, while eight Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BSMB) students participated: Aerol Kate Bantaculo, John Kevin Cortez, Rolando Joven Jr., Melissa Sabalo, Aiza Mae Udarbe, Gerald Manatad, Katherine Digal, and Faith Micah Balbon. Additionally, four BSMB alumni—Kimberly Boyles, Ruffa Mae Calunod, Sheena Marie Cebuala, Floriemar Omagbon, and Emelie Pejoto—completed the training, furthering their skills in marine science and diving.
Under the expert guidance of seasoned instructors—PADI Instructor and Mission Head Leader Laurent Martin, PADI Instructor and Training Leader Yves Gruel, and PADI Instructor and Trainer Pascal Le Rouge—along with PADI Divemasters and Trainers Jean Gaurin, Victor Aussal, and SLSU-Bontoc resident Dive Master Ryan Tomol, the participants embarked on a successful underwater adventure. Dive photographer Aline Chamblant beautifully capturing key moments from the underwater training sessions.
On October 11, 2024, the Open Water to Advanced Open Water Diver Course concluded with a day dedicated to environmental and celebratory activities. Participants, including members from Plongeurs du Monde (PDM), Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development, Inc. (ACCORD Inc.), and PADI trainees, joined together for a coastal clean-up and mangrove seedling bagging to support local marine conservation efforts.
The culmination of the course was marked by a proclamation ceremony attended by SLSU Key Officials, with University President Jude A. Duarte leading the recognition of Batch IV completers. The ceremony celebrated the trainees’ achievements and their dedication to marine conservation and diving excellence.
This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of local partner agencies that expressed their commitment to this ongoing collaboration, including the Southern Leyte Tourism, Investment, and Promotions Center (SLTIPC) and Sogod Bay SCUBA Resort.
