DOT eyes dive tourism in Nueva Valencia after cleanup

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is exploring the potential of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras as a sustainable dive tourism destination following the successful conduct of the “Scubasurero” underwater cleanup this week.

Held in celebration of Tourism Month and International Coastal Clean-up Day, the event brought together government agencies, academic institutions, and private groups in a united effort to protect the province’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

Six barangays and the Philippine National Police led a coastal cleanup along the shores of the Igang Bay Marine Sanctuary.

Simultaneously, DOT-6, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Guimaras Environment and Natural Resources Office, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Dive Gurus Boracay, and volunteer divers conducted an underwater cleanup in selected areas.

Divers also performed an exploratory marine assessment to evaluate the area’s ecological condition.

The team confirmed the presence of diverse marine species and healthy underwater habitats, reinforcing the site’s potential for responsible dive tourism.

DOT-6 emphasized that all tourism activities will be aligned with the Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plans and zoning guidelines of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

The agency said activities will only be allowed in designated sustainable tourism zones or multiple-use areas to ensure environmental safeguards.

“The protection of biodiversity will always be the top priority,” DOT-6 said in a statement.

Nueva Valencia Mayor and event partners praised the initiative as a model for balancing environmental conservation with sustainable community development.

Organizers noted that activities like “Scubasurero” not only protect marine ecosystems but also create opportunities for long-term, eco-friendly tourism and local livelihood.